Exploring Phytochemical Profiles in Coniferous Swamp Forests: Ericaceae Plants as a Source for Medicinal Uses

Abstract

HIGHLIGHTS: - Evergreen Ericaceae species – rich source of phytochemical compounds - Bioactive components are eligible for the production of functional food and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Coniferous swamp forests are interesting ecosystems that host unique plant species with significant medicinal potential contributing to ecological, health and pharmaceutical discoveries. Their combination of wetland and forest environments supports a rich variety of plant species, many of which are not found in other habitats. This study investigates the phytochemical richness of Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Rhododendron tomentosum, and Vaccinium oxycoccus, focusing on their phenolic and triterpenic profiles to highlight their medicinal potential. These Ericaceae species, characteristic of coniferous swamp forests, are known for their diverse ethnopharmacological properties, which can be targeted to various health and wellness products. Validated UPLC/HPLC-PDA methods and spectrophotometric assays were employed to obtain a comprehensive phytochemical and antioxidant profile of tested selected plant materials. Evergreen Ericaceae plants play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by providing year-round foliage, supporting wildlife, and contributing to the forest floor. They grow in nutrient-poor soil and possess exceptional phenolic and triterpenic profiles with notable antioxidant properties. The study highlights the importance of conserving and understanding the phytochemical variations in Ericaceae species, revealing chemophenetic characteristics. Furthermore, the phenolic and triterpenic profiles of selected Ericaceae plants contribute to their medicinal value, which has a great potential to produce pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and wellness products.