Identification and quantification of flavonoids in 207 cultivated lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera ) and their contribution to different colors

Sacred lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera ) is a large economic crop, which is also cultivated as a horticultural crop. This study performed a systematic qualitative and quantitative determination of five anthocyanins and 18 non-anthocyanin flavonoids from the petals of 207 lotus cultivars. Among the compounds identified in this study, quercetin 3- O -pentose-glucuronide, quercetin 7- O -glucoside, laricitrin 3- O -hexose, and laricitrin 3- O -glucuronide were discovered for the first time in sacred lotus. The relationships between these pigments and petals colors were also evaluated. A decrease in the total content of anthocyanins and increase in the content of myricetin 3- O -glucuronide resulted in a lighter flower color. Furthermore, petals were yellow when the content of quercetin 3- O -neohesperidoside and myricetin 3- O -glucuronide were increased, whereas petals were red when the total anthocyanin content was high and the quercetin 3- O -sambubioside content was low. These investigations contribute to the understanding of mechanisms that underlie the development of flower color and provide a solid theoretical basis for the further study of sacred lotus.