Metabolomic analysis reveals the interaction of primary and secondary metabolism in white, pale green, and green pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

Abstract This study aimed to comprehensively analyze primary and secondary metabolites of three different-colored (white, pale green, green) pak choi cultivars ( Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis ) using gas chromatography attached with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) high-performance liquid (HPLC). In total, 53 were identified subjected partial least-squares discriminant analysis. The result revealed a significant difference in the between cultivars. addition, 49 hydrophilic detected different Total phenolic glucosinolate contents highest green cultivars, respectively, whereas total carotenoid chlorophyll white cultivar. Superoxide dismutase activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydraz scavenging, reducing power slightly increased white, respectively. negative correlation pigments phenylpropanoids was discovered by metabolite approach will provide useful information for development strategies enhance biosynthesis phenolics, glucosinolates, carotenoids, chlorophyll, improve antioxidant activity this supports use HPLC GC-TOFMS-based profiling explore differences