Pteridaceae fragrant resource and bioactive potential: A minireview of aroma compounds

Abstract

Seven ferns of Pteridaceae, grown in a botanical garden or wild, harvested in France were investigated for their Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) profile using GC-MS: Adiantum pedatum L., Adiantum peruvianum Klotzsch, Anogramma leptophylla (L.) Link, Cheilanthes maderensis Lowe, Cryptogramma crispa (L.) R. Br., Pteris cretica L. and Pteris vittata L. Fifty-Three VOC biosynthesized from lipidic, shikimic, terpenic and carotenoid pathways were identified. The two Adiantum species show different VOC composition. The main linalool (10.8%) in A. pedatum has several biological activities of great interest. This Maidenhair fern contains the highest proportion (57.9%) of isoprenoid flavor precursors, i.e., ionone derivatives with various scent notes. The two major odorant unsaturated hexenoic acids derivatives of A. peruvianum are used as flavouring agents. Anogramma leptophylla concentrates 6- methoxymellein (71.5%), a bitter phytoallexin which contributes to stress or pathogen resistance. Cheilanthes maderensis produces mainly coumarin (89%) and vanillin (3.5%) with a low odor detection threshold, both used in perfumery and cosmetic industry or as flavouring agent and drug additives. Cryptogramma crispa accumulates a broad-spectrum of carotenoid derivatives (52.1%) and three major shikimic derivatives: The spicy 4-vinylguaiacol (flavouring agent), the floral phenylethanal and benzyl alcohol with floral, balsamic scent. Pteris cretica accumulates mostly furan derivatives, i.e., 5- hydroxymethylfurfural (33.2%) and 3-hydroxy-2,3-dihydromaltol (18.3%) used as food and beverage additives with caramel or roasty flavour and also found in fortified wines, toasty or heat-Treated foods. Pteris vittata produces predominantly shikimic derivatives applied in perfumery and food industries as benzaldehyde (26%, with almond scent), benzyl alcohol (22%, floral fruity balsamic scent), nonanal (19.8% cucumber note) and phenylethanal (11%; floral note). Pteridaceae resources are of great interest as a reservoir of odorous and bioactive compounds.