Antioxidant activities of plant species growing in different habitats (serpentine, gypsum and limestone)

In this study, plant species (gypsum, limestone, and serpentine) growing in different habitats in Erzincan province were investigated. Gypsum [Verbascum alyssifolium Boiss., Tanacetum heterotomum (Bornm.) Grierson, Psephellus recepii Wagenitz & Kandemir, Gypsophila lepidioides Boiss.], limestone [Cyclotrichium niveum (Boiss.) Manden. & Scheng, Chrysophthalmum montanum (DC.) Boiss, Teucrium leucophyllum Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham, Phlomis oppositiflora Boiss. & Hausskn] serpentine [Fumana aciphylla Boiss., Convolvulus pseudoscammania C. Koch., Hypericum thymbrifolium Boiss & Noé, Salvia indica L., Gladiolus halophilus Boiss. & Heldr.] were examined. The total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and the amount of antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) were analyzed in different organs of the plants, including leaves, branches, and roots. According to the obtained data, when plant parts and habitats were taken into consideration, it was observed that the plant with the highest flavonoid content (29.71±0.57 mg QE g-1 extract) was S. indica growing in the serpentine area with its leaf parts. In terms of total phenolic content, it was determined that the root part of S. indica growing in the serpentine area had high values (91.53±2.48 mg GAE g-1 extract value). When evaluated in terms of the Iron (III) Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method, it was observed that the highest value was the stem part of F. aciphylla growing in a serpentine area (100.35±1.60 mg TE g-1). In terms of DPPH radical capacity, the highest value belonged to the leaf part of Salvia indica (15.75±1.74 μg mL-1), which is also grown in the serpentine area. The results were evaluated utilizing the SPSS Statistical Program and differences were observed between habitats. A strong correlation was found between the phenolic and flavonoid contents of plants and their antioxidant activities. The findings showed that the phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities of plants grown in different ecological conditions vary significantly.