Estimation of the influence of the environmental factors on the accumulation of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity in the ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.)

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the impact of environmental factors on the accumulation of various components in Hedera helix L. folium collected from different European countries. The obtained results of studied samples showed that the antioxidant capacities were in the range of 0.027 to 0.688 mg/g. Contents of active components varied: phenolic acids – from 0.033 up to 2.92 gallic acid equivalents mg/g, flavonoids – from 0.031 to 0.281 mg/g and hederacoside C − 13.54–109.458 mg g⁻¹ DW. Samples from the northern countries had higher amounts of all phytochemicals in comparison to the southern ones. Among all studied parameters, the duration of sunshine, soil and climate had the most significant influence on the accumulation of components in ivy raw materials while altitude and precipitations showed none impact. Hedera helix can be considered as an excellent source of triterpene saponins, flavonoids and phenolic acids, and growing it at the right conditions may significantly enhance the quality of its raw material for medicinal purposes.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Hedera helix
• hederacoside C
• flavonoids
• phenolic acids
• antioxidant capacity
• environmental factors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.