LC-QTOF characterization of non-anthocyanic flavonoids in four Tunisian fig varieties

Abstract

Flavonoids are compounds characterized by antioxidant activity, and their intake in the human diet is considered useful for health and nutrition. Non-anthocyanic flavonoids in 4 different types of Tunisian figs belonging to the smyrna-type Ficus carica varieties known as Kholi, Tchich Asal, Himri, and Bidhi were studied by liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry UHPLC-QqTOF. Twenty-two compounds belonging to the classes of flavanones (naringenin and eriodictyol), flavones (3 apigenin and 5 luteolin derivatives), and flavonols (2 kaempferol and 7 quercetin derivatives) were identified. Three O-methoxy flavonols (tamarixetin, syringetin, and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside) were found in figs for the first time. Total content of non-anthocyanic flavonoids found in dark varieties (between 410 and 830 mg/kg) show that these F. carica are fruits qualitatively and quantitatively rich of dietary polyphenols.

Keywords: O-methoxy flavonols; Tunisian; UHPLC-QqTOF; figs; flavonoids.