Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Papers in Scientific Journals

Targeted Metabolite Analysis and Biological Activity of Pieris brassicae Fed with Brassica rapa var. rapa

Abstract

For the first time, an insect-plant system, Pieris brassicae fed with Brassica rapa var. rapa, was tested for its biological capacity, namely, antioxidant (DPPH*, *NO, and O(2)*- radicals) and antimicrobial (bacteria and fungi) activities. Samples from the insect's life cycle (larvae, excrements, exuviae, and butterfly) were always found to be more efficient than the host plant. Also, P. brassicae materials, as well as its host plant, were screened for phenolics and organic acids. The host plant revealed higher amounts of both compounds. Two phenolic acids, ferulic and sinapic, as well as kaempferol 3-Osophoroside, were common to insect (larvae and excrements) and plant materials, with excrements being considerably richer. Detection of sulfated compounds in excrements, absent in host plant, revealed that metabolic processes in this species involved sulfation. Additionally, deacylation and deglycosilation were observed. All matrices presented the same organic acids qualitative profile, with the exception of excrements.

Journal
Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry
Volume
57
Pagination
483-489
Keywords
Antioxidant activity, Organic acids, Phenolic compounds, Pieris brassicae, plant−insect interactions
Rights
Restricted Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
Year of Publication
2008
Date Published
2008-12-26
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