Diversity of flavonoids profile in China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.] genotypes

Flavonoids in fifteen genotypes of China aster, grouped by their flower color, namely red, deep pink, light pink, white, light purple, deep purple and yellow, were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Flower petals were a particularly rich source and contained eleven flavonoid compounds: apigenin, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, hesperetin, leutolin, myricetin, naringenin, quercetin, rutin, and umbelliferone. The genotype Matsumoto Pink was the richest source (26.74 × 103 μg/100 g) and Matsumoto Yellow, the poorest (1.17 × 103 μg/100 g). Apigenin was the major compound irrespective of flower color. Based on hierarchical clusters of the flavonoid compounds, the genotypes were grouped into two. Results of principal component analysis were also in conformity with the results of cluster analysis.