Accelerated anti-oxidant enzymes and phytochemical potential of Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan yew) under moist temperate forest of Himalayan, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan yew) antioxidant potential enhances the release of secondary metabolites and enzymes under stress; over the last few decades owing to changes in climatic regimes, such species are under constant threat in the moist temperate Himalayan forests. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of change in land-use pattern on the antioxidant and phytochemical potential of T. wallichiana (Himalayan yew) in the moist temperate Himalayan Forest of Galiyat-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Three leaf samples from each location of T.W were collected from high (Ayubiya, 2,970 m.a.s.l.) undisturbed, disturbed mid (Baragali, Dongagali, Kuldana, Chegagali, 2,617, 2,375, 2,455, 2,804 m.a.s.l.) and low (Murree, 2,000 m.a.s.l.) altitudes of moist temperate forest of Galiayt-Himalayan-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan, DPPH assay, total flavonoids and phenolic content, total protein and proline content, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities were analysed. The antioxidant activity (DPPH) response was more pronounced in low and mid altitude disturbed sites than the undisturbed site at high altitudes. Antioxidant enzymes and osmolyte content further supported the stress tolerance capacity of T. wallichiana to scavenge the ROS produced under oxidative stress conditions. In conclusion, Taxus wallichiana inhabiting in these sites could withstand long durations of drought, salinity, frost, high temperatures, and pathogenic attacks by activating the antioxidant enzymes.