Abstract
Chrysanthemum coronarium L. (garland) is an herbaceous plant rich in bioactive compounds. The chemical composition, bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of a Mediterranean garland population were investigated in different organs at two phenological stages. Antioxidant capacity varied from 7.9 (vegetative) to 14.4 (flowering) mmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity 100 g−1 dry weight (DW). A significant correlation between antioxidant capacity and total phenolics and total flavonoids was found at flowering stage. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid reached a maximum of 4.7 μg g−1 DW in leaves; flowers were high in luteolin (2.37 μg g−1 DW), whereas leaves showed a remarkable content of rutin (1.78 μg g−1 DW). Results highlight differences in bioactive compound levels and antioxidant capacity related to plant stages and organs. This research provides new insights into antioxidant activities and chemistry of garland, in view of its exploitation in areas of fodder resources, functional foods and natural antioxidants.
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Acknowledgements
Authors thank Maddalena Sassu and Dr Simone Canu for their laboratory assistance at CNR. The authors gratefully acknowledge useful discussions for LC-MS analysis with Dr Lucia Burrai, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari.