Characterization of carotenoids, chlorophylls, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of Brassica oleracea L var. botrytis leaves from Pakistan

Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis leaves are commonly used leafy vegetables in Pakistan; however, there is a lack of literature regarding the detailed composition of carotenoids, chlorophylls contents. The study was conducted to determine variations in carotenoids, chlorophylls, total phenolic, and flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activity of B. oleracea L. from the selected regions in Pakistan. Carotenoids and chlorophylls were determined using reversed-phase HPLC-DAD; other parameters were determined using spectroscopic methods. Twelve carotenoids and 9 chlorophylls were present in all samples. The β-carotene, lutein, fucoxanthin, δ-carotene, neoxanthin, γ-carotene, and phytoene were the major carotenoids. Chlorophyll b , chlorophyllide a , 13′-hydroxy-lactone chlorophyll b , hydroxyl-pheophytin a , and 15′-hydroxy-lactone chlorophyll a were the major chlorophylls in B. oleracea leaves. Variations occurred among carotenoids and pigment contents in samples. Total phenolic contents, flavonoids contents, and radical scavenging activity exhibited variations among samples. These results indicated that B. oleracea leaves from the selected locations in Pakistan were a good source of important phytochemicals especially carotenoids and chlorophylls for potential food and nutraceutical industries.