Correlation analysis between phytochemical composition and biological activities of Artemisiascoparia

Abstract

As a homologous plant of medicine and food, Artemisia scoparia has rich nutritional value and medicinal components. The main contents are to analyze the phytochemical composition and various biological activities of A. scoparia, and to explore the Pearson correlation between the contents of each phytochemical composition and biological activities. The ethanol extract (EA) and its fractions (n-hexane extract (NHE), ethyl acetate extract (EAC), n-butanol extract (NBA), and water extract (HO)) of A. scoparia were rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, coumarins, flavonoids and showed potential for antibacterial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory activities. EAC contains the highest amount of coumarins and flavonoids, shows strong antibacterial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory (COX-2) activities. In addition, the inhibition rate of NHE on LOX was higher, and Pearson correlation reveled a strong association between phytochemical composition and biological activities: Coumarins had antimicrobial properties, flavonoids had antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects, and flavonoids and terpenoids had anti-inflammatory effects. There was a significant negative correlation between coumarins and MBC of S. aureus (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) and C. albicans (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Flavonoids (r = 0.86, p < 0.001) showed a significant negative correlation with α-glucosidase scavenging ability. Terpenoids also showed a significantly negative correlation with LOX scavenging ability (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). A comprehensive understanding of both physiological functionalities and potential applications related to the bioactive elements present in extracts from A. scoparia could potentially provide valuable scientific insights to guide its medical or health-related utilization.