| Popis: |
The phytochemical characterisation has been considered crucial in the investigation of the invasive potential of alien plant species, making it a primary contributor to their negative impact on the environment [1]. Conversely, the diverse array of phytochemicals also presents an immense untapped potential in the extraction of active compounds, leading to their application as phytopharmaceuticals [2, 3]. This study provides the LC-MS phytochemical screening of four invasive alien plant species (IAPS) (Robinia pseudoacacia L., Helianthus tuberosus L., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, and Solidago canadensis L.) in the Istria region (Croatia). Using a non-targeted metabolomics approach, we identified 130 phenolic compounds in the 70% ethanolic leaf extracts, of which 85 were species-specific. Caffeoylquinic, coumaroylquinic, and feruloylquinic acids, as well as kaempferol and caffeic acid hexosides, were detected in all the tested IAPS. Furthermore, A. altissima had the highest spectrophotometrically determined total phenolic (TP) and non-flavonoid (TNF) content, as well as antioxidant capacity (AC) obtained by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The highest total flavonoid (TF) content was recorded in the extracts of H. tuberosus. A strong correlation between TP content and AC values was observed in all extracts. In the next phase, we will investigate the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, genotoxic and antioxidant properties of extracts. Based on the obtained results and the ecological assessment of IAPS impacts, we will propose a model for exploring new IAPS provisioning ecosystem services on the pilot territory of Istria. |
