Chemical Characterisation of Cytisus striatus: A Multi-Technique Approach Using GC-MS, LC-HRMS/MS, NIR, and FT-RAMAN

The Cytisus striatus species is a biologically important plant recognised for its high flavonoid content. However, the chemical composition of this species has yet to be fully described. The purpose of this study was to identify flavonoids and related secondary metabolites using advanced analytical techniques, including gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and NIR and Raman spectroscopy. Ethanolic extracts of flowers, fruits, and twigs/leaves contain highly beneficial flavonoids, with chrysin being the main compound detected in all plant parts. It was quantified by HPLC-DAD at levels ranging from 0.90 to 2.27 mg/g extract in samples collected from three different locations. NIR and FT-RAMAN analysis provided complementary information on the overall chemical fingerprint of the plant material. PCA of the spectroscopic data revealed minor site-related differences in global spectral profiles, with PC1 explaining 85% of the variability in flowers and fruits and 72% in twigs/leaves for FT-NIR, while FT-RAMAN analysis of fruit extracts showed a PC1 accounting for 97% of the variance. This study provides a basis for future research on the biological properties of Cytisus striatus and for further assessment of its potential relevance in pharmaceutical and/or food-related applications.