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Correspondence to Author: Dr. Mahboobe Ghanbarzadeh, 

a. Department of Plant Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
b. Department of Environment, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, 16788-15811, Iran
c. Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Knowledge University, Kirkuk Road, Erbil 44001, Iraq
d. Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Knowledge University, Kirkuk Road, Erbil 44001, Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, 44002 Erbil, Iraq

Abstract:

Astragalus L. is the largest genus in the Fabaceae family and Iran is considered as one of the most important centers of the genus. In this study, phenolic contents were investigated in the leaves of ten Astragalus species, using spectrophotometric and GLC methods. The study showed that the highest level of phenolics and flavonols were detected in A. glumaceus and A. aegobromus species, respectively. Further, the greatest content of phenolic acids and flavonoids were observed in A. caraganae. Besides, A. siliqusus had the highest level of o-diphenols. Gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis of phenolic compounds showed that syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and dihydroxy benzoic acid were predominate phenolic acids in these species. The present study revealed that Astragalus species used in this experiment are a good source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, and therefore, can be introduced as potent natural sources for medicinal and industrial purposes.

Keywords: Astragalus species, phenolic compounds, Gasliquid chromatography analysis

INTRODUCTION

The family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) contains 40 tribes subdividing into approximately 750 genera and 18000 species (Benchadi et al. 2013). Astragalus L. is the largest genus in this family and one of the largest genera of vascular plants on Earth, comprising 2000-3000 species and with more than 250 taxonomic sections in the world (Pistelli, 2002). Astragalus plants are annual or perennial stemmed herbs or small shrubs (up to 150-200 cm), growing from underground roots. Various parts of Astragalus species are also used in traditional medicine in Bulgaria, Russia, and other European and Asiatic countries. The investigations showed that several species of Astragalus L. have attracted significant attention due to diuresis, anhidrotic, and tonic effects (Shang et al., 2018). The genus Astragalus contained a wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites such as saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, nitro-compounds, indolizidine alkaloids, and seleniferous derivatives. Phenolics compounds have received much attention because of their antioxidant behavior and advantageous effect on degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular, cancer, and etc. (Liu, 2003, Ahmadi et al., 2019 and 2022). Moreover, these compounds are used in industrial applications, for example, as natural colorants and preservatives for foods and in the production of paints and cosmetics. According to Harborne et al. (1980), phenolic compounds are grouped into the following categories: 1. phenols, phenolic acids, phenylacetic acids; 2. cinnamic acids, coumarins, isocoumarins and chromones; 3. lignans; 4. ten group of flavonoids ; 5. lignins; 6. tannins; 7. benzophenones, xanthones, and stilbenes; 8. quinones; 9. betacyanins. Most phenolic compounds are found in nature in a conjugated form, mainly with a sugar molecule (Carrasco-Pancorbo et al., 2005). The aim of this work was to quantify the phenolic compounds of various Astragalus species belonging to different sections in Iran. Based on our knowledge, there is still limited research on Astragalus, and to date, there is no report on phenolic compounds in leaves of these species from Iran.

Citation:

Dr. Mahboobe Ghanbarzadeh, Quantitative and qualitative study of phenolics in leaves of Astragalus species growing in various regions of Iran. Journal on Biotechnology and Bioengineering 2024.