Solanum Chemosystematic Aspects: Analysis of Mixed Pathway (Acetate/Shikimate) Special Metabolites

Solanum L. is a large, diverse and important Solanaceae genus, which taxonomy and infrageneric relationships are still unresolved, as well as its evolutionary history. Biosynthesized from the mixed pathway (acetate/shikimate) and considered good systematic markers, flavonoids are widely distributed among plant species, as also in Solanum . Through analysis of flavonoid chemical data, this work aims to study evolutionary polarizations and contribute towards the comprehension of species phylogenetic relationships in the genus. The chemosystematic analysis was conducted through calculation of flavonoids chemical parameters and employing multivariate statistical analysis (factor analysis). Chemical data survey led to the identification of 479 metabolites from the mixed pathway. The results obtained demonstrate Solanum species prefer to biosynthesize hydroxylflavonoids. However, when oxy-groups are protected, choose O-glycosylflavonoids rather than O-methylflavonoids. The chemometric analysis showed derivation of eight Leptostemonum species, clearly separated from the rest of Solanum due to O-methylation. This feature suggests a possible advancement of Leptostemonum species. At last, considering this preliminary analysis, it was possible to identify remarkable trends in flavonoid evolution in Solanum species.