Metabolomic profiling of ten cacao genotypes from Antioquia, Colombia reveals local effects on nutritional composition

Theobroma cacao beans exhibit considerable genetic and geographic diversity, which significantly influences their chemical composition. These variations affect the nutritional, health-promoting, and organoleptic qualities of cacao products. This study aimed to characterize the metabolic profiles of ten cacao genotypes cultivated in two distinct regions of Antioquia, Colombia, using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy, and to evaluate the impact of geographic origin on key metabolites related to cacao quality. Twenty-one bioactive metabolites, including amino acids, sugars, and secondary metabolites, were identified and quantified in cacao beans from the Uraba ´ and Northeast regions. Multivariate statistical analyses were employed to discern metabolic patterns associated with genotype and cultivation sites. Significant differences in metabolite concentrations were observed between the regions. Beans from Urab´ a displayed higher levels of amino acids, xanthine derivatives, and antioxidant compounds such as theobromine and epicatechin. Genotypes TSH565, FEAR5, ICS1, and CCN51 showed superior metabolic profiles in Urab´ a, while FSV41 was notable in the Northeast. Multivariate analyses revealed distinct clustering by geographic origin, highlighting the influence of environmental factors on metabolite expression. The stable, warm, and humid climate of Urab´ a appears to promote the accumulation of metabolites linked to enhanced protein quality, energy metabolism, and health benefits.

• Autores: Galeano Jaramillo, Elkin de Jesús; Agudelo Ramírez, Catalina; Osorio Durango, Edison; López Smith, Juan Manuel; Maruenda Castillo, Helena
• Tipo de recurso: Article of investigation
• Fecha de publicación: 2025
• Institución: Universidad de Antioquia
• Repositorio: Repositorio UdeA
• Idioma: eng
• OAI Identifier: oai:bibliotecadigital.udea.edu.co:10495/48284
• Acceso en línea: https://hdl.handle.net/10495/48284
• Palabra clave: Cacao; Metabolómica; Metabolomics; Variación Genética; Genetic Variation; Espectroscopía de Protones por Resonancia Magnética; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Metabolitos; Metabolites; Antioquia (Colombia); Variación geográfica; Geographical variation; Antioquia; http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_3df71edf; https://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D002099; https://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D055432; https://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D014644; https://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D066244; ODS 3: Salud y bienestar. Garantizar una vida sana y promover el bienestar de todos a todas las edades
• Rights: openAccess
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/