Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activities of Invasive Erigeron annuus Pers. (Asteraceae) from Different Localities

Abstract

Erigeron annuus Pers. is a harmful invasive species to natural flora, although it is used in the treatment of indigestion, hepatitis, lymphadenitis, enteritis, and hematuria in traditional medicine. In this study, E. annuus samples were investigated in terms of total phenolic content, antioxidant activities and invasive features. Aerial parts of E. annuus were collected from Ayder-Çamlıhemşin (Rize), Pazar (Rize), and Trabzon (Turkey). Total phenolic contents, free radical scavenging characteristics against 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals (ABTS) were analyzed and compared with the collected localities. The invasive feature helps E. annuus to adapt everywhere. However, invasion of the plant is not an issue for medicinal applications except the collecting place of the plant. E. annuus is a lead accumulator, and the plant is seen on roadsides. Thus, the collecting region of the species should be chosen carefully to not obtain the side effects of heavy metals.