High-resolution Mass Spectrometry Study of Palm Jaggery Components with an Emphasis on Anti-microbial Properties

Abstract

Introduction: The palmyra (Borassus flabellifer L.) is a member of the Arecaceae family. The unfermented
palmyra tree sap, or neera, is used to make jaggery. Antimicrobials are substances that kill or inhibit the
growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The study focuses on elucidating
the antimicrobial properties of palm jaggery by analyzing the bioactive metabolites identified through High-
Resolution Accurate Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). Methodology: The optimised sample of Palm jaggery was
tested for metabolomics analysis. The High-Resolution Accurate Mass Spectrometry system instrument with the
model name Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid Mass Spectrometer developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific was used for
the analysis of Palm jaggery sample. The raw data obtained from the mass analyser were performed through
default parameters of “Compound discoverer 3.3.2.31” using online databases. Result: Utilizing HRMS, we
successfully identified a diverse array of bioactive compounds and other secondary metabolites. This study has
identified four key metabolites namely Diselane, Selenophosphate, Cadmium Sulfide, and Carnosol as having
notable antimicrobial properties. The reported antimicrobial efficacy of these components was systematically
evaluated and previous studies revealed significant antibacterial activity, particularly against both Gram-positive
and Gram-negative strains. Conclusion: Reported findings not only enhance the understanding of palm jaggery’s
biochemical profile but also highlight its significance as a source of antimicrobial agents, warranting further
exploration for applications in food preservation and healthcare. This study contributes to the growing body of
knowledge regarding the functional properties of traditional foods and their role in promoting public health.