Changes in phenolic composition in olive tree parts according to development stage

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the phenolic profile in different organs (buds, flowers, fruits and leaves) from Chemlali olive variety cultivated in the Center of Tunisia according to development stage. Phenolics recovery was carried out using aqueous methanol from freeze-dried powdered tissues. The extracts were then analyzed by using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to time of flight and ion trap mass spectrometry detectors. Qualitatively, secoiridoids, flavonoids, simple phenols, cinnamic acid derivatives and lignans were identified in the analyzed extracts. Quantitatively, floral buds showed the highest phenolic contents compared to the other tissues under study. The highest content of secoiridoids was observed for unripe fruit extract, whereas the highest content of flavonoids was registered for floral buds.

Keywords: Chromatography; Mass spectrometry; Olea europaea; Phytochemicals.