Impact of Harvest Conditions and Host Tree Species on Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Viscum album L.

Abstract

The content of plant secondary metabolites is not stable, and factors such as the region/location effect and seasonal variations have an impact on their chemical composition, especially in parasitic plants. Research in this area is an important step in the development of quality parameter standards of medicinal plants and their finished products. The effects of the time and place of harvest and the host tree species on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of mistletoe extracts were investigated. Statistical tools were used to evaluate the results of the spectrophotometric and LC-ESI-MS/MS studies of the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. The investigations indicate that the qualitative and quantitative composition, influencing the biological activity of mistletoe extracts, largely depends on the origin of the plant. The mistletoe extracts exhibited a rich phenol profile and high antioxidant activity. The chemometric analysis indicated that mistletoe collected from conifers (Viscum abietis and Viscum austriacum) had the most advantageous chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the chemical profile and biological activity of the plant material were closely related to the climatic conditions and location of the harvested plant. Higher levels of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity were found in extracts obtained from plant material collected in cold weather with the presence of snow and less sunshine (autumn–winter period).

On Overview Of Bioactive Compounds, Biological And Pharmacological Effects Of Mistletoe (Viscum Album L)

“…Several chemical and pharmacological studies have identified various types of compounds in mistletoe, such as lectins, viscotoxins, lignans, amines, flavonoids, and polysaccharides [8,9]. Among them, flavonoids and phenolic acids are natural antioxidants involved in the biological activity of the plant and used in the prevention of diseases such as cancer, caused by oxidative stress induced by free radicals in the body [10][11][12][13]. Cancer therapy is one of the most important uses of mistletoe, proving to have beneficial effects on various types of cancer such as breast [14,15], pancreatic [16], laryngeal [17] bladder [18], or leukemia [19].…”

“…Cancer therapy is one of the most important uses of mistletoe, proving to have beneficial effects on various types of cancer such as breast [14,15], pancreatic [16], laryngeal [17] bladder [18], or leukemia [19]. Over time, other bioactive activities of mistletoe have been reported, such as those related to neurological disorders, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, or immunostimulatory activities [2,11,13,20]. Due to its bioactive compounds and its beneficial effects on the human body, mistletoe has become more and more studied, developing various pharmaceutical formulations (Iscador, Isorel, Iscucin, Lektinol, Eurixor, Helixor, Abnoba-Viscum and recombinant lectin ML -1) [13,21].…”

“…Over time, other bioactive activities of mistletoe have been reported, such as those related to neurological disorders, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, or immunostimulatory activities [2,11,13,20]. Due to its bioactive compounds and its beneficial effects on the human body, mistletoe has become more and more studied, developing various pharmaceutical formulations (Iscador, Isorel, Iscucin, Lektinol, Eurixor, Helixor, Abnoba-Viscum and recombinant lectin ML -1) [13,21]. This review aimed to highlight the link between the host tree and the bioactive components of mistletoe such as lectin and viscotoxin, with a focus on phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.…”

Dynamics of Polyphenol Biosynthesis by Calli Cultures, Suspension Cultures and Wild Specimens of the Medicinal Plant Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae). Analysis of Their Biological Activity

“…The content of phenolic compounds may vary depending on biotic (bacteria, fungi, parasites, predators) and abiotic (water, light, salts, chemicals, temperature, humidity, geographical variations, etc.) factors, the growth stage, and the part of the plant [25,26]. In the case of hemiparasites, another variable is added: the host.…”

“…This area belongs to the Northwest region, namely the Puna and is dry with a great temperature oscillation and mostly cold with subzero temperatures at night. It has been suggested that the phytochemical profile of mistletoes depends on the host of this parasitic plant [26]. However, the analysis of these combined findings strongly suggests that, from a qualitative perspective, L. cuneifolia FL fingerprint is highly conserved among geographical regions, climate conditions, and host families.…”