HPTLC fingerprinting, photopigments, and nutrient analysis of Selinum tenuifolium along the altitudinal gradient

Abstract

This study aimed to explore phenolic acids, nutrient status, and content of photopigments and their role in the production of secondary metabolites in Selinum tenuifolium collected from different altitudes (2150 m; 2593 m; 3178 m, asl) in Chopta region of Uttarakhand, India. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting, nutrient analysis, and chlorophyll (Chl) content were assessed in various plant parts (leaves, stem, and roots) of S. tenuifolium. HPTLC analysis revealed a number of bands in the methanolic extracts of S. tenuifolium of which two with retention factor (Rf) values, 0.36 pertaining to gallic acid (GA) and 0.58 relating to ferulic acid (FA) indicating their presence in all three plant parts of S. tenuifolium. The elemental analysis (Fe2+, Zn2+, Na + K+ and, Ca2+) of different plant parts reflected the nutrient status of the plant, the total amount of nutrients being highest in stems of plants growing at 3178 m and lowest in roots of plants growing at 2150 m. The photopigments analysis of leaves of S. tenuifolium showed variations in their contents, being maximum at the highest altitude (3178 m) and minimum at the lowest altitude (2150 m). The correlation matrix suggested a strong positive correlation between elements like Na+, K+and Ca+2 with that of carotenoids, and Fe+2 and Zn+2 with that of chlorophyll a + b (Chl a + b). On the other hand, a negative correlation existed between photopigments and phenolic acids probably because the plant enjoys a good nutrient status, and therefore secondary metabolites that are usually triggered during stress need not be produced in high quantities.