Phytochemical diversity and volatile metabolite profiling in Jasminum auriculatum varieties and mutants

Phytochemical diversity and volatile metabolite profiling are essential for understanding the medicinal and industrial potential of aromatic plants. Jasminum auriculatum Vahl., widely valued for its fragrance and traditional therapeutic uses, remains underexplored for mutation-induced variation in phytochemical composition. The present study reports original experimental work aimed at characterising the phytochemical diversity and volatile metabolite shifts induced through mutation breeding in J. auriculatum. Two varieties, CO.1 Mullai and Muthu Mullai, along with their mutants, CO.1 MM-HY (2) and MMM-TM (1), were analysed. Fully bloomed fresh flowers were subjected to hexane extraction and extracts were profiled using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and quantify volatile and bioactive compounds. The analysis revealed significant qualitative and quantitative variation between parental genotypes and mutants, suggesting mutation-induced reprogramming of metabolic pathways. Notable compounds such as cis-jasmone, phenylethyl alcohol, phytol, benzofuran, linolenic acid and 4H-pyran-4-one were consistently detected, though with variable abundance across genotypes. Mutants displayed elevated levels of pharmacologically important metabolites including 1,2-cyclopentanedione, benzyl β-D-glucoside, trans-cinnamic acid and squalene. The pharmacological significance of these metabolites was inferred from previously reported literature, where they have been associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities. Overall, the study demonstrates that induced mutation broadens the phytochemical spectrum of J. auriculatum, enhancing its potential beyond ornamental value. These findings provide a foundation for exploiting its bioactive compounds in perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Further biochemical validation and functional assays are warranted to substantiate the observed pharmacological potential.