Unlocking the nutritional and phytochemical potential: metabolomics and bioaccessibility of polyphenols in south Indian edible flowers.

Abstract

This study examined the nutritional composition, phytochemical diversity, and polyphenol bioaccessibility of four South Indian edible flowers: Clitoria ternatea, Bougainvillea glabra, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, and Chrysanthemum indicum. Proximate analysis showed that C. ternatea contained the highest macronutrient content, while C. indicum was richest in essential micronutrients. UPLC-PDA and untargeted LC-MS Q-TRAP profiling identified over 100 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, amino acids, and fatty acid derivatives. Distinct metabolite patterns were observed, with delphinidin and quercetin derivatives abundant in C. ternatea; peonidin and cyanidin in B. glabra; and pelargonidin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid in H. rosa-sinensis, and C. indicum. Antioxidant assays revealed strong DPPH activity in C. ternatea and H. rosa-sinensis, and high ABTS activity in B. glabra. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion indicated higher bioaccessibility of phenolic acids than flavonoids, especially in C. ternatea and H. rosa-sinensis. These results underscore the potential of these edible flowers as promising functional food ingredients, offering rich and bioaccessible phytochemicals.