Chemometrics-based analysis of the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of Salvia species from Iran.

In recent years, the exploration of the therapeutic potential of Salvia has gained considerable attention, leading to a growing number of scientific studies emphasizing its pharmacological properties. Despite this, therapeutic applications of Salvia remain underexploited, requiring further investigation. Iran is a major center for sage diversity in Asia, boasting 60 Salvia species, 17 of which are unique to the area. This study aimed to comprehensively explore and compare the extracts of 102 Salvia samples belonging to 20 distinct Salvia species from Iran, providing a deeper understanding of their specific polyphenol content and, consequently, their antioxidant capabilities and potential therapeutic uses. All samples were analyzed to determine the contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total tannin, photosynthetic pigments, and ascorbic acid, along with their antioxidant activity. These data were then combined with the forty distinct chemical fingerprints identified by ultrafast high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Multivariate data analysis was employed to find correlations and differences among the huge number of data obtained and to identify Salvia species with similar phytochemical and/or antioxidant properties. The results show that each Salvia species is characterized by a distinct class of polyphenols recognized for their antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties. Overall, our findings reveal the potential of some Salvia species for targeted therapeutic applications and provide a rational basis for the development of Salvia-derived nutraceuticals, ultimately improving the prospects for the use of Salvia in medicine.

Screening of 20 species from Lamiaceae family based on phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and HPLC profiling.

The Lamiaceae family encompasses numerous species highly valued for their applications in medicine, food, and cosmetics. In order to screen the Lamiaceae family and discover new sources of phytochemicals and antioxidants, we comprehensively evaluated 20 species from this family, including Phlomis herba-venti, P. tuberosa, P. olivieri, P. kurdica, Nepeta sp., N. cataria, N. saccharata, Stachys sp., S. inflata, Scutellaria albida, Marrubium parviflora, Mentha pulegium, Thymus kotschyanus, Lamium album, Salvia officinalis, S. multicaulis, S. macrochlamys, S. candidissima, S. verticillata, and S. nemorosa. The aerial parts of these species were analyzed to determine their total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, total tannin content (TTC), ascorbic acid content (AAC), antioxidant capacity (assessed by FRAP and DPPH assays), and polyphenolic components (by HPLC). The phytochemical compounds and antioxidant properties varied widely among different species. The highest concentrations of TPC (70.93 mg GAE/g DW), TFC (17.89 mg Que/g DW), TTC (6.49 mg TAE/100 g), and AAC (1.15 mg AA/g DW), as well as the greatest antioxidant activity, were observed in different Salvia species. Additionally, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids were the primary phenolic compounds identified in the extracts from the investigated Lamiaceae family. According to Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), three groups of species were identified, characterized by variations in phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. The results obtained can provide new natural sources of phytochemicals and antioxidant agents, particularly from Salvia species, for the advancement of new products in the food, agricultural, cosmetics and health industries.

The effect of different ammonium to nitrate ratios on antioxidant activity, morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica).

Improving yield and secondary metabolites production of medicinal plants through nutrition management recently has been considered. The present study was done to determine the effects of different ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3-) ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) on morphophysiological, nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), phenolic compounds (Total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents and individual phenolics including chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, p-Coumaric acid, apigenin, and quercetin by HPLC-DAD), essential oil composition (by GC and GC-MS), and antioxidant capacity (by DPPH and FRAP assays) of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) in deep water culture (DWC) system. The highest biomass and morphological traits values of D. moldavica observed in 0:100 ratio of NH4+:NO3-. Also, the highest TPC and TFC was earned in plants that supplied with 0:100 ratio of NH4+:NO3-. Using the 25:75 ratio of NH4+:NO3- caused the highest nutrient contents (N, Ca and Mg) in the leaves. p-Coumaric acid was detected as the major abundant phenolic compound in extracts and the application of 75:25 ratio of NH4+:NO3 resulted in the highest amounts of p-Coumaric acid, gallic acid, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, and rutin. The highest antioxidant capacity by both FRAP and DPPH assays was obtained in 75:25 ratio of NH4+:NO3-. Also, the highest geranial and geranyl acetate, geraniol, and neral were obtained in 75:25, 25:75, and 50:50 ratios of NH4+:NO3-, respectively. Plants supplied with the 0:100 ratio of NH4+:NO3-, had the highest total carotenoids, while the highest chlorophyll a and b content gained with 75:25 ratio of NH4+:NO3-. These results suggest that the management of N source in nutrient recipe could contribute to enhance of morphophysiological traits, antioxidant activity and phytochemical compounds in Moldavian balm.

Phenolic and flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activity in flowers of nine endemic Verbascum species from Iran.

BACKGROUND: In this study, flowers of nine mullein species (Verbascum erianthum, V. songaricum, V. speciosum, V. szovitsianum, V. stachydiforme, V. sinuatum, V. haussknechtianum, V. cheirantifolium, and V. saccatum) were collected from Iran. The total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, total carotenoid (TCC), ß-carotene content and the amount of phenolic compounds were determined in all of the collected mullein species. Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). RESULTS: Verbascum saccatum and V. songaricum, in particular, were found to be rich in total flavonoids and exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that V. erianthum possessed the highest amount of caffeic acid (0.022 g kg-1 DW), chlorogenic acid (2.649 g kg-1 DW), p-coumaric acid (0.253 g kg-1 DW), and apigenin (0.066 g kg-1 DW). The highest gallic acid (0.134 g kg-1 DW), rutin (5.254 g kg-1 DW), quercetin (1.303 g kg-1 DW), and cinnamic acid (1.031 g kg-1 DW) content were observed in V. saccatum. Our results demonstrate the considerable variations in the TFC, antioxidant activity, TCC, and ß-carotene content among the mullein species. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide useful information for breeding strategies, and for choosing the best species with high phenolic compound content to produce natural antioxidants for medical and pharmaceutical use. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Improvement of the antioxidant activity, phytochemicals, and cannabinoid compounds of Cannabis sativa by salicylic acid elicitor.

Recently, due to the valuable and high level of phytochemical compounds such as cannabinoids and other secondary metabolites, the cultivation of Cannabis sativa has increased in the world. The current study was conducted to evaluate the potential role of exogenous salicylic acid (control, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 M) on enhanced production of pharmaceutically important phytochemicals. The sprayed aerial parts were evaluated based on phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) contents, antioxidant capacity (by FRAP and DPPH assay), photosynthetic pigments including chlorophyll a, b (Chl a and Chl b), total carotenoids (TCC), and cannabinoid compounds. Quantification of aerial parts metabolites was performed using gas chromatography. The results indicated that phytochemical compounds and antioxidant capacity in C. sativa were influenced by various concentrations of salicylic acid (SA). The highest TPC, TFC, TCC, Chl a, Chl b, and antioxidant capacity were obtained in 1 M treatment, whereas the lowest of them were found in control plants. The major cannabinoids in the analyzed extracts were CBD (19.91%-37.81%), followed by Δ9-THC (10.04%-22.84%), and CBL (nd-14.78%). The highest CBD (37.81%) and Δ9-THC (22.84%) were obtained in 1 M of SA. These results suggest that the elicitor SA (especially 1 M) was able to improve antioxidant capacity, phytochemicals, and cannabinoid compounds.

Effect of Aloysia citrodora Essential Oil on Biochemicals, Antioxidant Characteristics, and Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruit during Storage.

Strawberry fruits are highly susceptible to cold burning, resulting in low storage periods at low temperatures. Plant extracts or essential oils (EOs) can potentially be used as preservatives in fruits throughout the refrigerated period. In the present study, the biochemicals, antioxidant characteristics, and shelf life of treated strawberries with Aloysia citrodora essential oil (ACEOs) were evaluated during keeping time. The treatments were produced as follows: T1, control; T2, 250 ppm ACEOs; T3, 500 ppm ACEOs; and T4, 750 ppm ACEOs. Total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss, titratable acidity (TA), antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid and anthocyanin contents (TFC), and enzymes activity (peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase) were evaluated during the refrigerated period (5 °C with relative humidity of 85-90% for 20 days). The results revealed that weight loss and TA were reduced in all treatments during storage, being that the rates were lower in samples treated with ACEOs. TPC, TFC, TSS, antioxidant, and enzymes activity were higher in treated fruits than control.

Phytochemical properties of essential oil from Artemisia sieberi Besser (Iranian accession) and its antioxidant and antifungal activities.

In this study, the phytochemical profile, the essential oil composition of an Iranian accession of Artemisia sieberi and their antioxidant and antifungal properties were investigated. The amount of essential oil yield was 1.5% (w/v) and twenty two components were identified by GC-MS analysis being camphor (33.64%), 1,8-cineole (25.66%) and chrysanthenone (7.86%) the major compounds. The amount of total polyphenols and flavonoids, total ascorbic acid and carotenoid content of A. sieberi extract were determined, and resulted in 666.26 mg GAE/100g DW, 54.77 mg QUE/100g DW, 153.585 mg/100g DW, and 907.18 mg/100g FW, respectively. Highest antioxidant activity based on DPPH bioassay was recorded in essential oil (84.04%) and extract (89.33%). Furthermore, the essential oil of A. sieberi tested for its antifungal activity, demonstrated to reduce significantly the mycelium growth rate of Botrytis cinerea, that is, no mycelial growth was observed at concentrations 1000 and 1500 µll-1.

Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Compounds of Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Fruits Species for Potential Use in Food Applications.

Hawthorn belongs to the Crataegus genus of the Rosaceae family and is an important medicinal plant. Due to its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity hawthorn has recently become quite a popular herbal medicine in phytotherapy and food applications. In this study, physicochemical characterization (color parameters, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, soluble carbohydrate, total carotenoid, total phenols, and flavonoid contents), antioxidant activity (by ferric-reducing antioxidant power, FRAP assay), and quantification of some individual phenolic compounds of fruits of 15 samples of different hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) collected from different regions of Iran were investigated. According to findings, the total phenols, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were in the range of 21.19-69.12 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (dw), 2.44-6.08 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g dw and 0.32-1.84 mmol Fe++/g dw, respectively. Hyperoside (0.87-2.94 mg/g dw), chlorogenic acid (0.06-1.16 mg/g dw), and isoquercetin (0.24-1.59 mg/g dw) were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds in the extracts of hawthorn fruits. The considerable variations in the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of hawthorn species were demonstrated by our results. Hence, the evaluation of hawthorn genetic resources could supply precious data for screening genotypes with high bioactive contents for producing natural antioxidants and other phytochemical compounds valuable for food and pharma industries.

Composition, Antifungal, Phytotoxic, and Insecticidal Activities of Thymus kotschyanus Essential Oil.

Essential oils (EOs) are some of the outstanding compounds found in Thymus that can exert antifungal, phytotoxic, and insecticidal activities, which encourage their exploration and potential use for agricultural and food purposes. The essential oils (EO) obtained from Thymus kotschyanus collected in the East Azerbaijan Province (Iran) were characterized using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Thymol was the most important compound (60.48%), although 35 other active compounds were identified in the EO. Significant amounts of carvacrol (3.08%), p-cymene (5.56%), and γ-terpinene (6.67%) were found in the EO. The T. kotschyanus EO was tested against important phytopathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium expansum). The antifungal assay showed that the use of ≥500 ppm of EO resulted in a fungicidal effect against all funguses tested. In a similar way, the use of ≥500 ppm of EO inhibited the germination of all crop weed seeds (Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Panicum miliaceum L.) and their subsequent growth, which demonstrated its herbicidal effect. Finally, the insecticidal capacity of T. kotschyanus EO was also observed against selected insects (Oryzaephilus surinamensis and Sitophilus oryzae). O. surinamensis was more susceptible to the effect of EO (LC50 = 4.78 µL/L air) than S. oryzae (LC50 = 13.20 µL/L air). The obtained results of the present study can provide new safe resources to the development of new products for the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries.

A new source of oxygenated monoterpenes with phytotoxic activity: essential oil of Cuminum Cyminum L. from Iran.

Chemical constitutes and phytotoxic activity of Cuminum cymiunm L. is investigated in the present study. For this means seeds of C. cyminum L. was harvested from Ilkhchi of Iran. The major components of essential oil (EO) with more than 94% were 3-caren-10-al, cuminal, 2-Caren-10-al, γ-Terpinene, (-)-ß-Pinene and p-Cymene. This study found that cumin EO displayed meaningful inhibitory impacts on germination indices and the growth of the seedlings of Amaranthus retroflexus, Lactuca sativa, and Acroptilon repens. The germination indices showed severely concentration-dependent responses. In the case of A. retroflexus and L. sativa germination indices were controlled in the 500 ppm and in the A. repens were inhibited in the 1500 ppm of EO concentration. Overall, this study suggests that EO derived from C. cyminum L. looks to be a promising candidate for its utilization as a natural herbicide in large scale.[Formula: see text].

Antioxidant and antifungal activities of a new chemovar of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.).

Chemical composition, antifungal and antioxidant properties of essential oil extracted from Cuminum cyminum from Iran was studied. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 18 components, with 3-caren-10-al and cuminal as the principal constituents. Hierarchical cluster analysis and antioxidant capacities showed that this essential oil made a single group at 64 unit distinct from other reported essential oils extracted from cumin in the literature and was with high antioxidant activity [150 µL exhibiting strong reducing power; 2200 (FRAP) µmol/L Fe+2 during 15 min and ~ 89 DPPH % at 60 min]. The antifungal effects of the essential oil against three postharvest fungal pathogens, Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger and Penicillim expansum revealed that at concentrations of ≥ 750 µL/L, the mycelial growth of the tested fungi were completely inhibited. Overall, the essential oil derived from this new cumin chemovar could be a promising candidate for its utilization as a natural preservative.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Petals of Six Rosa Species from Iran.

Background: The petals of Rosa species are used in the food industry and various traditional medicinal products, but few studies exist on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of petals of Rosa L. species grown in Iran. Objective: Phytochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity and some phenolic compounds of petals of six Rosa L. species were studied. Methods: Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, aluminum chloride method, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. An HPLC system was used for quantitative analysis of phytochemical compounds. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed among the variables analyzed using Minitab software. Also, heat maps were used to visualize phytochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity in each species using GraphPad Prism software. Results: The amount of total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were in the range of 25.13-52.01 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight (DW), 0.61-0.82 mg quercetin equivalents/g DW, 11.47-20.93 µmol Fe++/g DW (FRAP), and 31.66-74.44% (DPPH), respectively. The p-coumaric acid (647.28 µg/g DW) and chlorogenic acid (24.37-135.23 µg/g DW) were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds in the extracts of rose petals. The HCA and PCA revealed three distinct categories of species based on phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity. Conclusions: These results showed that phytochemical characteristics of different rose species widely correlated with species type and are promising sources of natural antioxidants beneficial for use in the food or pharmaceutical industries. Highlights: Iran is one of the main centers for genetic diversity of Rosa L. The petals of Rosa species are used in the food industry and various traditional medicinal products, but few studies exist on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of petals of Rosa L. species grown in Iran. Antioxidant activity and phytochemical compound of Six Rosa L. species petals grown in Iran were studied. Phenolic compounds in petals of Rosa were analyzed by HPLC. The color parameters, amount of total phenolic, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity and some individual phenolic compounds were significantly variable amongst Rosa species.