Determination of aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates in edible foliage of cauliflower cultivars grown under protected environment for exploring as a functional food

Cauliflower is valued for its glucosinolates (GLS) content which plays essential roles in human health. The present study analysed GLS profile in edible stage foliage of 13 commercial cultivars of cauliflower representing four diverse maturity groups. The crop was raised in pro-trays filled with cocopeat: vermiculite: perlite (3:1:1) in a complete randomized design under protected environment at the Centre for Protected Cultivation, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis detected 12 glucosinolates including eight aliphatic and four indolic. Number and concentration of GLS showed significant variation in the cultivars. Pusa Deepali had maximum number of GLS (10) followed by Pusa Paushja and Pusa Sharad, while minimum in Pusa Ashwini and PSBH-1 (5). Total GLS concentration ranged from 1.862 µmol/g (Pusa Ashwini) to 11.080 µmol/g (Pusa Deepali). Aliphatic were more abundant than indolic types. Overall, 8-methylthiooctyl glucosinolate (8MTO) was the most abundant glucosinolate. Besides, sinigrin (SIN) was prominent in the early group, gluconapin (GNA) in both mid-early and mid-late groups, and 3-(methylsulfinyl) propyl (3MSOP) in the late group. This is the first report on the aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates in edible-stage foliage of cauliflower grown in protected environment which highlights health potential. • This study presents glucosinolate profiles in leaves of 13 cauliflower cultivars. • Pusa Deepali was the most promising source of multiple glucosinolates. • Aliphatic GSLs were most prominent, followed by indolic type. • 8MTO, sinigrin, and GNA were the most prominent GSLs in cauliflower. • Low EPI and high 4MSOB, I3M, SIN and 4MOI3M highlights health value.