Untargeted metabolites profiling of volatile and non-volatile components of Egyptian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) using UHPLC/PDA/ESI-MS and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) GC/MS in relation to its antiaging and anti-inflammatory effects

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is a unique member of the family Nymphaeaceae, and one of the most important industrial crops with a cultural and medicinal value, especially in the traditional herbal medicines. The beautiful scent of its pink flowers had been used in many cosmetic preparations, but rarely investigated. The goal of this study was to characterize N. nucifera flower aroma profile using solid-phase microextraction coupled with GC/MS. A total of 33 volatile compounds belonging to several classes were identified with cineole reported for the first time and likely to contribute to its aroma. Untargeted metabolites profiling of non-volatile components in leaves, flowers, and seeds was attempted using high-resolution ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. UPLC-MS. MS-based profiling provided an annotation of more than 60 secondary metabolites with two newly reported glycoalkaloids alongside with floral anthocyanins. Principal component analysis of the UPLC-MS dataset revealed that flowers exhibited a distinct metabolome compared to seeds and leaves. Ultimately, flower extract exhibited a promising anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activities providing a new insight into lotus flower incorporation in the industrial cosmetic formulations.