Characteristics and pathways of bioactive 4-desmethylsterols, triterpene alcohols and 4α-monomethylsterols, from developing Tunisian cultivars and wild peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Seven 4-desmethylsterols, five triterpene alcohols and three 4α-monomethylsterols were identified by GC–MS during the development of wild peanut, which is Arbi (AraA), and cultivars peanut, which are Trabelsia (AraT) and Chounfakhi (AraC). Our results showed that the maximum level of 4-desmethylsterols (881.07 mg/100 g of oil) was reached at 12 days after flowering (DAF) date of peanut plant in AraA, as well as the highest level of triterpene alcohols (31.51 mg/100 g of oil) was reached at 23 DAF in AraA, whilst, the highest level of 4α-monomethylsterols (15.11 mg/100 g of oil) was reached at 41 DAF in AraC. Herein, the level of triterpene alcohols and 4α-monomethylsterols was overwhelmed by the amount of 4-desmethylsterols at each stage of peanut maturity. Differences were observed in each sterol contents among the studied cultivars and wild one especially in immature stage.

This paper studies seven 4-desmethylsterols, five triterpene alcohols and three 4α-monomethylsterols identified by GC–MS during the development of wild and cultivar peanuts.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► 15 phytochemicals sterols were identified through 3 peanut varieties’ development.
► Immature wild peanut have the highest level of 4-desmethylsterols.
► Immature wild peanut have the highest level of triterpenes alcohols.
► Wild peanut may represent a bioactive resource of phytochemicals sterols.