APPLICATION OF METABOLOMICS FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF CELERY SECONDARY METABOLITE PROFILES AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS

Abstract

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a globally cultivated vegetable which is popular for its health benefits. Despite growing interest in the topic, there has been limited research on the chemical profiles relevant to celery and its anti-inflammatory effects, which were primarily accomplished using targeted methods. The application of metabolomics in this work enabled the implementation of varied analytical approaches, which aimed to contribute a comprehensive view to further the understanding of celery. Untargeted and targeted metabolite profiles were elucidated using NMR-based metabolomics which enabled the differentiation of celery origins. Subsequently, intracellular and extracellular metabolites were analysed using LC-MS-based metabolomics which revealed the anti-inflammatory effects of celery. Biomarker identification and pathway elucidation pertaining to the reduction in inflammatory responses in celery-treated RAW 264.7 cells were also achieved. Finally, to enhance the bioactive aglycone content in a celery extract, it was supplemented with germinated soy and the extraction procedure was optimised.