Variation of total phenolic compounds of different plant organs from Artemisia campestris L. herb

Abstract

Background. Artemisia campestris is a perennial plant that grows throughout North Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. Due to a lack of study on this species in Lithuania and a lack of studies in Europe, it is relevant to quantify the amount of phenolic compounds in its various plant organs. High levels of phenolic compounds in human nutrition reduce the risk of chronic diseases because they have antioxidant properties and thus protect cells during oxidative stress by neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals. Aim. To determine the amount of total phenolic compounds in extracts of Artemisia campestris L. collected form natural habitats in Lithuania. Methods. A. campestris samples were collected at the stage of flowering in the natural habitats from different regions in Lithuania. Plant material (0.2 g) was extracted with 20 ml 70% ethanol in an ultrasonic bath for 15 min and centrifuged at 6500 rpm for 15 min, then filtrated though filter paper and stored in the brown bottle to avoid the light. Total phenolic content was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method using gallic acid as a standard. The test sample was prepared by mixing 20 μL of extract with 5 ml of Folin–Ciocalteu working reagent and 4 ml of sodium carbonate (7.5%). After one hour absorbance was measured at 765 nm. Through the calibration curve with gallic acid, the total phenolic content of plant parts was calculated as gallic acid equivalents/g of dry material. Results. The total phenolic content of different plant organs varies from 34.596±6.798 mg GRE/g up to 88.787±7.515 mg GRE/g. The greatest amount of phenolic compounds was determined in stems (88.787±7.515 mg GRE/g), less in leaves (83.787±17.852 mg GRE/g) and flowers (72.366±8.000 mg GRE/g). The roots contained the lowest amounts compared to other plant organs, 34.596±6.798 mg GRE/g. Conclusion. Total phenolic content varies significantly among the different plant parts of A. campestris. The aboveground parts could be further used for targeted extraction.