Variation in essential oil composition, phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff based on three model systems

Abstract

Essential oil composition, phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity of Kelussia odoratissima populations evaluated from the samples obtained from different regions in Isfahan (Keloose and Fereydunshahr) and Kohgiluye (Dishmook) provinces of Iran. The relationships between the compounds and climatic factors were also evaluated. Essential oil yield ranged from 1.16% in Keloose to 1.19% in Dishmook. The major compounds were (Z)-ligustilide (51.34–58.74%), thymol (4.46–8.76%), carvacrol (2.85–7.84%) and butylidenephthalide (2.84–4.86%). Total phenolic content of seed extracts varied from 22.23 (Keloose) to 40.88 (Dishmook) mg tannic acid equivalents (TAE) g −1DW. The similar trend was also obtained for total flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity of seed extracts was assessed using three food model systems including DPPH, beta-carotene bleaching and reducing power. In all model systems, seed extracts of Fereydunshahr revealed higher radical scavenging activity as compared with other populations and BHT (Butylated Hydroxy Toluene). In overall, Kelussia population collected from Kohgilooyeh province (Dishmook) possessed higher phenolic content, oil yield and (Z)-ligustilide, while the populations collected from Isfahan province (Fereydunshahr and Keloose) showed the highest extraction yield and antioxidant activity. Finally, clay soils were more appropriate for increasing of monoterpenes such as carvacrol and 1, 8-cineole, while phthalides such as (Z)-ligustilide were more affected by genetics background rather than environmental factors.