Metabolomics Profiling of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk. Leaves and Fruits Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

Several investigations are extensively documenting the presence of metabolites with antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in extracts derived from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits and leaves. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the metabolite profile of R. tomentosa fruits and leaves at various maturity stages and determine their phytomedicinal values. 1H NMR and chemometric analyses were used to conduct a metabolomics study for comparing the metabolite profile and phytomedicinal values of different plant organs at varying ages. Leaves were classified into young and old categories, while fruits were divided into three maturity stages, namely green, red, and purple. The wild-grown fruits and leaves of R. tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk were gathered in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The results of multivariate analysis showed that choline, methionine, mannitol, and β-glucose compounds were three times higher in fruits compared to leaves. Meanwhile, the concentration of aspartate, myricetin, and quercetin compounds was three times higher in leaves compared to fruits. The quantities of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, were higher in young leaves and green fruits than in old, red, and purple fruits.