Detailed metabolite profiling and in vitro studies of Urospermum picroides as a potential functional food

Wild edible plants (WEP) are part of the Mediterranean culinary culture and can be used as famine foods in times of severe food shortages. Urospermum picroides is a WEP that grows under harsh conditions and represents an opportunity to expand and diversify the global food supply. However, little is known about its chemical profile. In this study, liquid chromatography coupled to HRESIMS allowed the identification of 77 metabolites in U. picroides extract, among which 12 sesquiterpene-amino acid conjugates are reported here for the first time. Due to the novelty of these conjugates, GNPS molecular networking was used to provide information on their fragmentation pathway. Further, the sesquiterpene enriched U. picroides extract showed a moderate antiinflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated THP1-macrophages by increasing IL-10 secretion while decreasing proinflammatory IL-6 secretion at 50 & mu;g/mL. Our study provides evidence for the potential use of U. picroides as an anti-inflammatory functional food and nutraceutical agent.

Automated summary

Wild edible plant Urospermum picroides is a potential source for expanding and diversifying the global food supply, with this study revealing its chemical profile and the identification of 77 metabolites, including 12 novel sesquiterpene-amino acid conjugates. Molecular networking analysis provided insight into the fragmentation pathway of these conjugates. Additionally, the sesquiterpene-enriched U. picroides extract demonstrated a moderate anti-inflammatory effect, highlighting its potential as a functional food and nutraceutical agent.