Determination of 3-Butenyl Isothiocyanate in Different Parts and Cultivars of Chinese Cabbages

Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. Pekinensis) is Brassica vegetable that contains high amounts of glucosinolates. Glucosinolates and their breakdown products are thought to contribute to health promotion by preventing some cancers. Chinese cabbage is the most commonly consumed vegetable in Asian countries including Korea. In this study, qualitative and quantitative analyses of 3-butenyl glucosinolate (Gluconapin) from different cultivars and different parts of the cabbage were performed. Gluconapin of Chinese cabbage was extracted by hot ethanol ($80^{\circ}C$), isolated by an anion exchange column and identified by GC/MS and LC/MS. The levels of glucosinolates in Chinese cabbage varied according to the different parts, cultivars, and blanching time. In general, the concentrations of 3-butenyl isothiocyanate (ITC) were higher in the leaf than in the midribs parts. The cultivar 'Bulam no. 3' had a much greater content of 3-butenyl ITC than the cultivar 'Garak no. 1,' and the levels of butenyl ITC were highest after two weeks of storage. Blanching treatment decreased the concentration of 3-butenyl ITC. The ITC concentration varied extensively among different crops of the same species, and according to the different parts on the cabbage, the storage duration and the boiling time.