Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/16/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Problem: Spinach contains naturally-occuring chemicals called saponins, which may help protect the plant from insects and bacteria. The primary form of saponins in spinach, yossosides, is under-studied, and their affects on human health are not well known. The amount and types of yossosides in spinach have not been quantified. Accomplishment: We created the first quantitative method to measure known yossosides and profiled 30 types of spinach grown over three time periods. We found that the amount of yossosides varied based on spinach genetic background. Why It Matters: These data represent the first quantifications of yossosides. Our results show that some types of spinach have more yossosides than others, which could be important for future research on how spinach might affect health. Scientists can now use our method to study yossosides in more detail and define how they might impact human health.

Technical Abstract: Spinach ((Spinacia oleracea)) is rich with bioactive compounds and reported to contain high concentrations of saponins, a diverse family of glycosides. Spinach uniquely produces triterpenoid saponins (yossosides) likely as a defense against herbivores and microorganisms. However, their role in human health is undefined and their diversity and range of yossoside concentrations must be determined. We hypothesized that yossoside concentration would vary depending on genetic background. We developed a quantitative extraction and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), profiling 12 yossosides in 30 spinach cultivars. As hypothesized, significant differences in yossoside concentrations between spinach varieties were observed with overall concentrations ranging from 4-14 mg/100 g fresh weight, suggesting natural diversity. Presence-absence of yossoside VIII, IX, XI, and XII in some cultivars indicate diversity in enzyme expression/efficiency. This study created the first quantitative method for yossosides, defined their concentration range, and identified germplasm with unique yossoside profiles that may inform future nutritional studies.