Metabolomics combined with biochemical analyses revealed phenolic profiles and antioxidant properties of rapeseeds

Phenolic compounds, one of the most crucial lipid concomitants in rapeseed, have garnered heighten attention due to their numerous health benefits. Therefore, efficiently characterizing the phenolic profile of rapeseed is paramount for discerning their potential bioactivities. This study employed untargeted metabolomics in conjunction with molecular networking to trace the phenolic composition across three rapeseed genotypes. A total of 117 phenolic compounds were identified in rapeseed by mass spectrometry under positive and negative ionization modes, including 36 flavonoids, 23 coumarins, 12 phenolic acids, 10 lignans, 4 stilbenes, 4 diarylheptanes, 1 tannin, and several other phenolic constituents. Biochemical analyses revealed that Brassica napus rapeseed typically exhibited the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content as well as the strongest antioxidant capacity among three rapeseed genotypes. Through correlation analysis, 17 potential antioxidant phenolic compounds were tentatively screened from rapeseed, supporting the development and utilization of natural antioxidants from rapeseed.