Variations in phytochemical traits, total carbohydrate, and antioxidant activity of Iranian wild populations of greater burdock (Arctium lappa L.)

Greater burdock (Arctium lappa L.), a biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a rich source of some bioactive compounds including chlorogenic acid, arctiin, and inulin which are involved in the treatment of a broad range of disorders. In this study, the phytochemical variability and antioxidant activity of nine Iranian A. lappa populations collected from different geographical regions were investigated. The highest content of chlorogenic acid was recorded in Baft (76.48 mg/g DW), Rudsar (75.5 mg/g DW), and Bijar (74.8 mg/g DW) populations, respectively. The content of chlorogenic acid in A. lappa seeds ranged from 23.4 to 75.1 mg/g DW with the lowest content in the Baft population and the highest content in the Savadkooh population. In addition, the highest content of arctiin was found in the seeds of Savadkooh (78.21 mg/g DW) and Baft (77.7 mg/g DW) populations. The mean total carbohydrate content in A.lappa populations was 31.8 mg/g DW. The maximum antioxidant activity was observed in the roots of Roodsar (IC50 = 78.2 & mu;g/mL) and seeds of Firoozkooh (IC50 = 174.8 & mu;g/mL) populations. In comparison, the antioxidant activity of the roots was the most reliable among the extracts. This information provides a perspective for the plant used in domestication, conservation, and breeding programs and for further commercial exploitation in food industries as a potent natural antioxidant source.

Automated summary

This study investigated the phytochemical variability and antioxidant activity of nine Iranian populations of Greater burdock. The results showed that Baft, Rudsar, and Bijar populations had the highest content of chlorogenic acid, while Savadkooh and Baft populations had the highest content of arctiin. The study suggests that Greater burdock has potential as a natural antioxidant source and can be used in domestication, conservation, breeding programs, and food industries.