Antimicrobial and Hepatoprotective Activity of Different Cytotypes of Taraxacum officinale from the Indian Himalayas

Abstract

ABSTRACT Three cytotypes (2×), (3×), and (4×) of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) from the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, India, were examined for their phytochemical composition and antimicrobial and hepatoprotective properties. The diploid cytotype had the highest concentration of cichoric acid (1.20% w/w), followed by the triploid and tetraploid cytotypes (0.21 and 0.14% w/w, respectively). The cichoric acid content decreased with increasing ploidy level. The ethanol extract of leaves from diploid cytotype exhibited the highest antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As shown by the reduction in the activity of marker enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and the restoration of total protein, bilirubin levels, and liver weight, the hepatoprotective activity was the greatest in the diploid cytotype. Although polyploidy is a key factor in plant evolution, it does not always have the same impact on secondary metabolites.