Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity of Three Stachys Species (Lamiaceae) from Romania

Three species of Stachys genus (S. byzantina, S. officinalis, S. sylvatica) were investigated in the present study in terms of aromatic profile and total polyphenol content, as well as antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity. Gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) was used for exploration of the herbal alcoholic extracts. Using statistical analysis, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total phenolic chemical fingerprints were compared in order to describe differences and identify putative signature traits of the three Stachys species. The results showed that the analyzed Stachys extracts have a total polyphenol content being between 197 +/- 0.27 mg GAE/g for S. sylvatica and 232 +/- 43 mg GAE/g for S. officinalis. The antioxidant activity was between 444 +/- 58 mM Trolox/g (S. sylvatica) and 602 +/- 75 mM Trolox/g (S. officinalis). The volatile compounds identified were mostly sesquiterpenes, followed by monoterpenes and secondary compounds. The most abundant in all three species was germacrene D (21.9% 28-25.2%). The multivariate analysis demonstrated the potential of using plant tissue VOC profiles to discriminate between different Stachy species, with a total of 31 VOCs being identified from all three species. Although there were strong similarities among the three species' VOC profiles, distinctions can be made using chemometric analysis. The microbiological results showed an antimicrobial capacity of all three extracts, especially on Gram-positive bacteria. In addition to increasing consumers' understanding regarding the health benefits of these Stachy species, this investigation contributes to defining and preserving a precious genetic and cultural-historical biodiversity.

Automated summary

This study investigated three species of the Stachys genus in terms of aromatic profile, total polyphenol content, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant capacity. Gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection was used to explore the herbal alcoholic extracts. The results showed differences in polyphenol content and antioxidant activity among the three Stachys species, with distinctive volatile compounds identified in each. The microbiological results demonstrated antimicrobial capacity, particularly on Gram-positive bacteria, and highlighted the potential to differentiate between Stachys species using plant tissue VOC profiles.