Molecular identification, chemical profiling, and bioactive potential of Eryngium thyrsoideum Boiss.:...

Eryngium thyrsoideum is a regionally significant species known for its distinctive morphological traits and documented medicinal uses. The genus is primarily known for its antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Despite its ethnobotanical relevance, comprehensive scientific studies exploring its molecular profile and pharmacological properties remain scarce. Therefore, in the present investigation, fresh leaves and stems of this species were collected from the wild populations at the pre-flowering stage in early June. The leaves were used for DNA extraction, while the stem samples were analyzed using a spectrophotometer to detect selected phytochemicals and GC-MS to determine the chemical profile. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first DNA sequencing of E. thyrsoideum using ITS markers, with the resulting sequence submitted to the NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis indicates a close genetic relationship between this species and Eryngium kotschyi. The quantities of total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidants, ascorbic acid, and soluble sugar were 257.14 ± 1.64 µg GAE/g FW, 94.39 ± 0.27 µg QE/g FW, 318.30 ± 4.09 µg Trolox/g FW, 191.68 ± 2.77 µg TE/g FW, and 44.50 ± 1.37 µg GE/g FW, respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed 32 compounds, and the top compounds were Methyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (24.24%), 4 H-Pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl- (8.91%), and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (7.74%). Whereas cis-13-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, Petroselinic acid, TMS derivative, and Heptanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester were the compounds with the lowest peak area values (0.27, 0.31, and 0.47%, respectively). Thus, the chemical diversity identified in this plant provides scientific support for its ethnobotanical importance and highlights its potential as a source of health-promoting compounds.