Environmental stress effect on the phytochemistry and antioxidant activity of a South African bulbous geophyte, Gethyllis multifolia L. Bolus

Abstract

a b s t r a c tGethyllis multifolia is a South African bulbous geophyte with medicinal properties and on which very limited research has been conducted. This research investigated the effect of drought and shade, which are experienced in the natural habitat, on the antioxidant properties, as well as the isolation of natural compounds from certain plant parts. The total polyphenol, flavonol/flavone and flavanone contents, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and radical cation scavenging ability (ABTS) were measured in the leaves, bulbs and roots (dry weight) of G. multifolia under photo-and drought stress. A significantly higher total polyphenol content was observed in the roots under the photo-and drought stresses when compared to the control. When all the plant parts were compared, the highest total polyphenol content was observed in the drought-stressed roots of G. multifolia. An increased antioxidant capacity was observed in the root system of G. multifolia where the FRAP, ORAC and ABTS were found to be significantly higher during drought stress when compared to the control. Phytochemical investigation of the leaves, bulbs and roots of G. multifolia revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, glycosides (phenolic and terpenoid) as well as essential oils, while the test for alkaloids was negative. Further in -depth studies on the roots of G. multifolia led to the isolation of three known flavonoids, of which one was also isolated as its endogenously acetylated derivative. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods as 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (1), (1-[2.4-dihydroxyphenyl]-3-phenylpropan-1-one) (2), 2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one or pinocembrin (3) and 5,7-diacetoxy-2,3-dihydro-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (4). This investigation indicated how environmental conditions can be manipulated to enhance the antioxidant properties of certain plant parts for future cultivation of this species and the isolation of the four natural compounds elucidated its medicinal potential and created a platform for future in vivo research.

The Effects of Endophytic Beauveria bassiana Inoculation on Infestation Level of Planococcus ficus, Growth and Volatile Constituents of Potted Greenhouse Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

“…After 5 min, 100 μL (7.5%) aqueous sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) (Sigma-Aldrich, South Africa) was added to each well. The method described by Daniels et al [ 56 ] was used to obtain the absorbance reading of the solution in the microplates, and results were expressed as mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry weight (mg GAE/g DW). The flavonol content was determined using quercetin, and the protocol was based on the method described by Daniels et al [ 57 ].…”

Seasonal Antioxidant Capacity of Asphodelus Aestivus Brot. Root Tubers in Response to Aridity From Degraded Mediterranean Environments

“…Similarly, Daniels et al [33] found an increase in non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity based on total polyphenol content in bulbs and roots of South African bulbous geophyte Gethyllis multifolia L. Bolus under drought stress. Additionally, Peksel et al [34] showed that Asphodelus aestivus has powerful antioxidant activity that is based on non-enzymatic antioxidants.…”

A review of plant characterization: First step towards sustainable forage production in challenging environments

“…According to Kannan and Priya (2020) all ecotypes had the phytochemicals screened regardless of the part containing the compound, with exception of glycosides which were absent in white and black variants (Table 1). Phytochemicals composition is very much affected by environmental stresses, absence or presence of these compounds can be used as a measure the effects of stresses (Daniels et al, 2015).…”