Insights from dual-platform metabolomics on durian flowers: An alternative source of procyanidins from agricultural waste with bioactivities

TL;DR

Durian flowers, an agricultural byproduct, contain procyanidins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a sustainable source for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications.

Contribution

This study is the first to identify durian flowers as a novel and sustainable source of bioactive procyanidins.

Findings

Durian flowers contain procyanidins B1, B2, and C1, as identified through dual-platform metabolomics.

An 80% ethanol extract of durian flowers showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in human keratinocytes.

Procyanidin-rich extracts from durian flowers have potential for use in nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Abstract

Procyanidins, which are polyphenol compounds in grape seeds, apples, and berries, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated durian flowers, an agricultural waste, as a novel procyanidin source. Durian trees bloom prolifically, but not all flowers develop into mature fruits, representing underutilized resources. Dual-platform metabolomic analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry annotates polyphenols such as (−)-epicatechin, procyanidins B1, B2, and C1. The 80 % (v/v) ethanol extraction yielded a crude extract with a total procyanidin content of 7.68 mg/g. Bioactivity assays revealed that the procyanidin-rich crude extract reduced oxidative stress and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects against UVA in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). This study is the first to propose durian flowers as a sustainable and cost-effective procyanidin source with potential application in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries, contributing significantly to the repurposing of agricultural waste through green technology.

•Durian flowers are alternative procyanidin sources.•Durian flower extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in HaCaT cells.•Procyanidin crude extracts exhibit a potential for various applications.•Durian flower valorization promotes sustainability and reduces agricultural waste.

Durian flowers are alternative procyanidin sources.

Durian flower extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in HaCaT cells.

Procyanidin crude extracts exhibit a potential for various applications.

Durian flower valorization promotes sustainability and reduces agricultural waste.

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