Volatile organic compounds, phenolic content and antioxidant activities of Inula helenium subsp. orygalis and Inula orientalis flowers and leaves from Turkey
摘要
This study evaluated the volatile organic compounds, phenolic compounds, antioxidant potential, and oxidative stress markers in the flower and leaf methanol extracts of Inula helenium subsp. orygalis and Inula orientalis demonstrated lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide levels, indicating superior stress resistance. Analysis revealed species-specific defense mechanisms: highest superoxide dismutase in I. orientalis leaves and highest guaiacol peroxidase activity in I. helenium subsp. orygalis leaves, superior ferric reducing antioxidant power in I. helenium subsp. orygalis and stronger cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity in I. orientalis. GC–MS identified aldehydes (2-trans-hexenal and hexanal) dominating in I. helenium subsp. orygalis, and terpenes (D-limonene and dihydroedulan II) in I. orientalis. HPLC revealed high ferulic acid in I. orientalis flowers, while its leaves contained significant vanillic acid, apigenin and highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. These findings highlight I. orientalis leaves as potent antioxidants and I. helenium subsp. orygalis flowers for oxidative stress protection, suggesting applications in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.
Graphical Abstract