Metabolic profiling and pathway elucidation of flavonoids in Ocimum basilicum for high-quality breeding and...

Ocimum basilicum, valued for its medicinal, culinary, ornamental, and aromatic uses, offers significant potential for development. This study analyzed four O. basilicum accessions to comprehensively assess their total flavonoid content, flavonoid metabolites, and flavonoid metabolism-related genes.

A total of 510 flavonoid metabolites were identified, categorized into ten distinct types. Among these, flavones and flavonols were the most prominent, accounting for over 70% of the total flavonoid metabolites. Significant differences in total flavonoid content were observed among the four accessions (P < 0.05). Thirteen flavonols were identified that likely have the greatest impact on the variation in total flavonoid content among these materials. Based on transcriptome data, 768 differentially expressed genes associated with flavonoid metabolism were identified. Several key genes were identified that may influence the accumulation patterns of candidate flavonoid metabolites.

This study investigated the metabolic diversity and regulatory mechanisms of flavonoids in O. basilicum, providing a theoretical foundation for high-quality breeding. It aids in the identification of varieties with high flavonoid content and superior medicinal and industrial value. The research also promotes the utilization of O. basilicum in the pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural industries, supporting sustainable development. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.