Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Plants at Various Growth Stages Subjected to Extraction—Comparison of the Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Profile

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) extracts obtained from the aerial parts of plants harvested at five growth stages. In vitro assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity, i.e., ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activity, the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the ability to inhibit β-carotene–linoleic acid emulsion oxidation. Phenolic compounds, such as mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acid isomers and caffeic acid hexose, were identified using the LC–TOF–MS/MS technique. The predominant compound during the growth cycle of the plant was 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, whose content was the highest at the mid-flowering stage. The total phenolic content was also the highest in sunflowers at the mid-flowering stage. The main phenolic compound contents were closely correlated with ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activity and FRAP. No significant correlation was found between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity in the emulsion system. The highest antiradical activity and FRAP were generally determined in older plants (mid-flowering and late flowering stages). In conclusion, the aerial parts of sunflowers, in particular those harvested at the mid-flowering stage, are a good plant material from which to obtain phenolic compound extracts, albeit mainly of one class (esters of caffeic acid and quinic acid), with high antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical Fingerprinting and In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of the Aerial Parts of Thymus marschallianus Willd. and Thymus seravschanicus Klokov Growing Widely in Southern Kazakhstan

“…The antioxidant activity of both Thymus extracts was determined using the method described by Gai et al [ 36 ] with modifications. Briefly, a starting solution was prepared by dissolving 10 mg of extract in 1 mL of DMSO solution.…”

Preservation of color and nutrients in anthocyanin‐rich edible flowers: Progress of new extraction and processing techniques

“…The higher antioxidant properties of flowers are mainly related to the content of flavonoids (Kelley et al, 2001; Mato et al, 2000). Flowers such as rose (Nadeak et al, 2020; Nowak et al, 2014; Zhang et al, 2014), hibiscus (Bhaskar & Nithya, 2011; Khristi & Patel, 2016; Serban et al, 2014; Wang et al, 2011), sunflower (Franzen et al, 2016; Gai et al, 2020; Gur et al, 2017), chrysanthemum (Sahrajabian et al, 2019; Yuan et al, 2015; Zheng et al, 2018), day lily (Fu et al, 2008), chamomile (Chauhan & Aishwarya, 2018; Hajbaghery & Mousavi, 2017; Myhan, 2021; Tsivelika et al, 2021), wild pansy (Fernandes et al, 2019; Rimkiene et al, 2003), dandelion (Inanov, 2014; Wirngo et al, 2015), purslane (Mlam et al, 2014; Nemzer et al, 2020; Simopoulos et al, 2005), and marigold (Babu & Sumangala, 2018; Zheng et al, 2018) also have a certain effect. From a nutritional point of view, the researchers described that flower can be subdivided into petals, pollen, nectar, etc.…”

Helianthus Annuus Seed Hydro-Alcoholic Extract Chemical Composition and Effects on Body Weight and Blood Parameters among Iraqi Patients Suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Type-2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) occurred mainly as a metabolic disorder with more common characteristics with hyperglycemia in case of the insulin-resistance conditions. In addition, in type-1 diabetes, the low-level insulin production is appeared as a collapse in 'β-cell of langerhans islets in the pancreatic organ (8). The general symptoms include "excessive drought, frequently urinating, urinating in the night as well as firm starvation".…”