Nontargeted Lipidomics of Sorghum Grain Reveals Novel Fatty Acid Esters of Hydroxy Fatty Acids and Cultivar Differences in Lipid Profiles

Sorghum, a globally grown gluten-free cereal, is used
mainly as
an animal feed in developed countries regardless of its potential
for human consumption. In this study, we utilized nontargeted lipidomics
to thoroughly analyze, compare, and characterize whole-grain lipids
in six sorghum cultivars (cv) grown in a single field trial in Australia:
Buster, Bazley, Cracker, Liberty, MR43, and Tiger. In total, 194 lipid
molecular species representing five major lipid classes were identified.
Multivariate analysis unveiled distinct lipid profiles among the cultivars.
The most distinct lipid profile belonged to cv. MR43. The lower ω-6
to ω-3 ratio and optimal P/S ratio in cv. Bazley reflect this
as a valuable source of balanced essential fatty acids in the diet.
The novel bioactive lipids known as FAHFAs (fatty acid esters of hydroxy
fatty acids) were identified and characterized in sorghum grains.
These findings further emphasize the potential of whole-grain sorghum
as a basis for new health-promoting food products.