|
Abstract
|
Medicinal plants can be considered as a valuable source of a wide variety of secondary compounds, and the amounts of these compounds could be changed at at different phenological stages [1]. Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is a medicinal plant endemic to the Mediterranean area and it has been used by locals for its culinary and medicinal properties since antiquity [2]. It possesses numerous biological and pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant [3, 4]. This study investigated the polyphenol accumulation of Myrtus communis from the vegetative stage to the seed set stage. Plants were separated into leaves, stem, flowers, and fruits, and extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC). The analysis of TPC and TFC was done using the Folin Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The findings showed that the highest and lowest phenolic content were obtained in the ripe seeds stage (2840 µg/g dried sample), and full flowering stage (8 µg/g dried sample). The analysis of flavonoid content was showed that early development of seeds stage (14.37 µg/g dried sample) had the highest content, while the lowest amount related to full flowering stage (7.73 µg/g dried sample). The results of this study can be used as a guideline for grower to obtain the highest possible amount of desirable metabolites, beneficial in both food and pharmaceutical industries as well as their undeniable economical benefits.
|