Invasive Solidago canadensis L. as a resource of valuable biological compounds

Olga Shelepova,Yulia Vinogradova,Olena Vergun,Ján Brindza,Olga Grygorieva

doi:10.5219/1125

Abstract

The phytochemical characteristics of alien species have not yet been fully studied. Meanwhile, the reserves of their raw materials in the secondary distribution range are very large and can be used as new sources of functional ingredients for food, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and medicines. Particular attention is attracted by species which have closely related native plants that are included in the official pharmacopeia. Solidago canadensis L. in Slovakia has already formed powerful thickets, and a similar species Solidago virgaurea L. is used as a medicinal plant. The goal of our study is to examine biologically active compounds from leaves and inflorescences of Solidago canadensis collected in some invasive populations along the Nitra river and Gron river. Leaves and inflorescences of 3 populations have been taken for analysis. In addition, we tested herbal tea was made by a traditional procedure using 2 types of fermentation. The following parameters have been understudying: total dry matter, ash and protein content, total lipid, saccharides, vitamin C content, total carotenoid content, amino acids content, elemental analysis, and antioxidant activity. Mean values and variations of these parameters are given in the article. The results demonstrated that S. canadensis can be a valuable raw material resource for many sectors of the economy with the possibility of its wider application in the future.

Highlights

Valuable phytochemicals with antioxidant, antimicrobial and other health benefits are synthesized by plants in the process of secondary metabolism
Many plant species have not been sufficiently studied from the phytochemical point of view
Chemical analyses of Solidago canadensis leaves and inflorescences revealed the presence of protein (12.2 wt/wt%), carbohydrates (4 wt/wt%)), lipids (5.1 wt/w %) and inorganic material (6.7 wt/wt%)) (Table 1a and 1b)

Summary

Introduction

Antimicrobial and other health benefits are synthesized by plants in the process of secondary metabolism. Our earlier data confirm the availability of Solidago canadensis: its aerial part containe from 0.1 to 0.7% of essential oil in the leaves and from (3.4 – 29.8%) and germacrene D (1.8 – 39.2%) were the major compounds detected in oil samples of S. canadensis. The scientific hypothesis of this study was to examine the leaves and inflorescences of Solidago canadensis due to its biologically active compounds.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion