Phytochemical Variations Across Different Organs of Ferula lycia Boiss.

Authors : Muhammed Akif Açıkgöz

Pages : 261-272

Doi:10.29278/azd.1758840

View : 44 | Download : 52

Publication Date : 2025-12-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The present study aims to investigate the organ-specific distribution of essential oil components, phenolic acids, and flavonoid compounds in Ferula lycia Boiss., an endemic and increasingly endangered plant species of the Eastern Mediterranean region. By performing separate phytochemical analyses on different plant parts namely ripe and unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and flowers the study seeks to (i) identify variations in metabolite composition and yield across organs, (ii) determine which organs accumulate pharmacologically valuable compounds, and (iii) provide a scientific foundation for more sustainable and targeted use of F. lycia in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Materials and Methods: F. lycia was collected from its natural environment and separated into plant parts such as flower, leaf, root, stem, mature and immature fruit. Essential oil analyses were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. For phenolic acid and flavonoid analyses, plant organs were extracted with methanol and the resulting extracts were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system. Quantification of compounds was performed using external standards ranging from 1–200 μg/mL, and results were expressed as μg/mL. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and chemical differences between organs were determined using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results: The analysis results indicated significant chemical differences among the organs of F. lycia. Leaves and flowers were found to have the highest essential oil yields and were rich in oxygenated monoterpenes such as verbenone and α-phellandrene. Immature fruits contained high levels of α-pinene and β-pinene. In terms of phenolic and flavonoid content, leaves showed the widest diversity and highest concentrations of key compounds such as quercetin, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Conclusion: The study showed that the essential oil and polyphenol profiles of F. lycia differed according to the plant organs. Leaves and flowers showed the highest bioactive content. These results indicated that the aerial organs have a higher pharmaceutical potential than the underground organs.
Keywords : Polifenoller, Sekonder metabolitler, Şemsiyegiller, Uçucu yağ

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