Invasive Plants as a Source of Polyphenols with High Radical Scavenging Activity.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biochemistry
• Bioeconomy

Background:

• Invasive plant species pose significant ecological and economic challenges worldwide.
• Their competitive nature leads to biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and economic damage.
• Sustainable bio-based solutions are needed for invasive species control, focusing on biomass utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the potential of invasive plant biomass for bioactive compound extraction.
• To investigate the role of invasive plants in the developing bioeconomy.
• To analyze the polyphenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of selected invasive species.

Main Methods:

• Selected invasive plants including *Lupinus polyphyllus*, *Impatiens glandulifera*, *Heracleum sosnowskyi*, *Solidago canadensis*, *Echinocystis lobata*, and *Elodea canadensis* were studied.
• Total polyphenol and flavonoid content were quantified in various plant parts.
• Radical scavenging activities were determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays.

Main Results:

• Invasive plants are rich sources of polyphenols and flavonoids.
• Highest polyphenol concentrations were found in *Impatiens glandulifera* leaves (7.78-11.75 g GAE/100 g DW) and *Lupinus polyphyllus* flowers (12.77 g GAE/100 g DW) and leaves (11.88 g GAE/100 g DW).
• Leaves and flowers consistently exhibited the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities.

Conclusions:

• Invasive plant biomass represents a valuable, underutilized resource.
• The extracted bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, have significant potential for various applications.
• Utilizing invasive plant biomass can contribute to bioeconomy and sustainable invasive species management.