Identification of principal volatile flavours of brassica rapa seeds

ABSTRACT

Organic isothiocyanates are the main biological active catabolites from glucosinolates of crucifers. They contribute to the desirable characteristic flavors of many vegetables. They also possess goitrogenic activity and some products inhibit the neoplastic effects of carcinogens. Gc-ms, 1H and 13C-NMR spectra of the volatile hydrolytic components of the seeds revealed a predominant thiocyanate viz. phenyl ethyl [2-hydroxyhexyl] ester [82%], along side with the isothiocyanates 3-butenyl, 4-pentenyl and 2-phenylethyl derivatives. They were found active against C and ida albicans and several other pathogenic organisms