Bioprospecting of Helichrysum Species: Chemical Profile, Phytochemical Properties, and Antifungal Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea

Variation in plant species and extraction solvents play a crucial role in the recovery of their bioactive compounds and antifungal efficacy. Thus, in this study, a comparative investigation was carried out using extraction solvents: 70% acetone and 95% ethanol to obtain crude aqueous extracts from Helichrysum odoratissimum and H. patulum. Crude aqueous extracts were screened using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), to gain insight into their chemical composition. Phytochemical properties (total polyphenols (TP) and radical scavenging capacity via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)), and antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea of the crude extracts were evaluated. Fungicide (Rovral((R)) WP) and extraction solvents were used as controls. Variation in Helichrysum spp. and extraction solvent had influence on the chemical composition, phytochemicals, and antifungal activities. Metabolites such as gamma-terpinene (approximate to 0.1%), alpha-amorphene (approximate to 0.6%) alpha-gurjunene (approximate to 1.4%), beta-selinene (2.2-3.2%), gamma-gurjunene (approximate to 3.3%), and methyl cinnamate (approximate to 20%) were detected only in extracts of H. patulum. Crude extract of H. odoratissimum using 70% acetone had the highest TP (19.3 +/- 0.76 g GA 100 g(-1)), and DPPH capacity (13,251.5 +/- 700.55 mu mol Trolox g(-1)) compared to H. patulum (p <= 0.05). Ethanolic extracts of H. patulum showed highest antifungal efficacy (approximate to 65%) against B. cinerea (p <= 0.05) compared to other crude extracts. This study showed that Helichrysum spp. differ in their potential as a source for bioactive compounds and antifungal treatments/formulations.

Automated summary

Variation in plant species and extraction solvents significantly affect the recovery of bioactive compounds and antifungal efficacy. This study compared the use of 70% acetone and 95% ethanol as extraction solvents to obtain crude aqueous extracts from Helichrysum odoratissimum and H. patulum. The chemical composition, phytochemical properties, and antifungal activity were evaluated. The results showed differences in the potential of Helichrysum spp. as a source for bioactive compounds and antifungal treatments.