Comprehensive metabolite profiling of Arum palaestinum (Araceae) leaves by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

- A total of 180 components were tentatively identified in Arum palaestinum leaves by UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS.
- Over 160 new phytochemical compounds and isomers are reported in A. palaestinum for the first time.
- The existence of previously known 15 phenolic compounds in the plant has been verified.
- A. palaestinum is a rich source of bioactive compounds, qualifying its use as a functional food.

Arum palaestinum is a wild edible plant used in food and folk medicine within the Mediterranean region including Palestine. The leaves are traditionally consumed as anti-cancerous food. Yet, just few reports are available on its chemical composition. Therefore, in this work, an extensive qualitative identification via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) of the phytochemical metabolites in A. palaestinum leaves has been established. A total of 180 phytochemicals, mainly 53 flavonoids, 33 phenolic acids, 10 terpinoids, 7 iridoids and 6 amino acids have been characterized. Moreover, 11 unknown compounds were also detected, providing the first comprehensive characterization available on the phytochemical composition of the leaves of A. palaestinum, highlighting it as an abundant source of antioxidant phenolics and phytochemicals. The obtained results may develop the current knowledge on A. palaestinum, boost further research towards bioactive compounds exploring and may encourage more consumption of this important functional food. Further investigations on these characterized bioactive component potential are necessary.