Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based profiling and phytochemical screening revealed industrially important metabolites in wild seabuckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia D.Don) berries

Abstract

Abstract In recent times, seabuckthorn (Hippophae Sp.) has attracted worldwide attention as a source of traditional medicines, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals due to the presence of a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals These bioactive phytochemicals may vary in different regions of plant collections. The amount of plant materials traded within the State has increased dramatically in recent years as a result of the rising demand for herbal products. Moreover, there are no organized methods of seabuckthorn cultivation in Uttarakhand. Through experience and practice, the locals preserve their customary knowledge, which is passed down orally and without documentation. Currently, this information is in danger of disappearing. The scenario regarding the development of seabuckthorn as a future crop in the Uttarakhand region is very alarming. Most of the metabolomics research has been carried out on a single analytical platform. However, each platform has intrinsic advantages and drawbacks that can affect the analytical coverage of the metabolome. The present study was carried out to identify the entire unrevealed metabolites in H. salicifolia berries originating from Uttarakhand regions for the first time, utilizing both GC-MS and 1H NMR techniques. Phytochemical screening was performed by various qualitative and quantitative methods such as GC-MS and 1H NMR in H. salicifolia berry extract originating from three regions (Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri) of Uttarakhand (India). Phytochemical determination revealed the presence of industrially important metabolites. In total, 318 metabolites were identified, 305 by GC-MS and 13 by 1H NMR. These metabolites were classified in 23 sets of metabolites such as alkane hydrocarbons, alkene hydrocarbons, fatty acid methyl esters, etc. in which total metabolomic percentage and its amount was highly detected in the Gangotri region followed by Badrinath and Yamunotri. The present study provides valuable information for the identification of the natural source of metabolites related to the quality of various seabuckthorn-based products useful for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries as well as for effective germplasm collection.