Determination of phenolic components of Vitex agnus-castus L. (Verbenaceae) from Muğla-Ula region in Turkey

Abstract

Aims: In this research, it was aimed to determine the phenolic components of Vitex agnus‐castus L. (Chaste) samples belonging to Verbenaceae family, which is one of the significant medicinal plants of our country.Methods and Results: In this research, Vitex agnus-castus L. leaf and flower samples provided from during flowering grown under from Karabörtlen area (81 m) ecological conditions. Samples were then dried in a semi-shadowy and airy place at room temperature (at 25°C) to be used in the extraction process. In this study, the phenolic composition obtained from Vitex agnus-castus was analyzed and determined by UPLC-ESI-MS / MS¯ method. Totally, 8 phenolic components were determined in leaf and flower samples. Among the phenolic components of chasteberry (Vitex agnus- castus L.) obtained from leaf and flower samples during the flowering period, the most effective components; protocatechuic acid 4906.02 (mg kg¯); 4-hydroxy benzoic acid 1603.88 mg kg¯), gentisic acid 668.49 (mg kg¯) were found out.Conclusions: Plant-derived natural products have received considerable attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties, including several compounds.Most of these bioactive compounds are plant secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, alkaloids and phenolic components found in plants. Phenolic compounds as antioxidants can prevent many diseases such as cancer, heart disease, cataracts, eye diseases, old age diseases, etc. The results of this study also showed that Vitex agnus-castus leaf and flower samples, were rich in phenolic components.Significance and Impact of the Study: The results of this study indicated that Vitex agnus-castus possess a potential source of phenolics, and may be used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as a protective agent to reduce oxidative damage in terms of phenolic components. This research can be used to guide current and future research.