Artificial Domestication Enhances Bioactive Profiles and Antioxidant Capacity in Two Wild Asteraceae Plants

Area of Science:

• * Agricultural Science
• * Phytochemistry
• * Medicinal Botany

Background:

• * Taraxacum mongolicum and Sonchus oleraceus possess strong antioxidant properties but face limitations in utilization due to scarce wild populations and labor-intensive harvesting.
• * Domesticated cultivation presents a potential solution to overcome these limitations and enhance the availability of these valuable medicinal herbs.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To compare the yield, bioactive component content, and antioxidant capacity of domesticated versus wild populations of Taraxacum mongolicum and Sonchus oleraceus.
• * To assess the impact of domestication on key phytochemicals and free radical scavenging abilities.
• * To investigate correlations between bioactive components, antioxidant activity, and yield.

Main Methods:

• * Comparative analysis of domesticated and wild populations of Taraxacum mongolicum and Sonchus oleraceus.
• * Quantification of bioactive components including ascorbic acid, total phenols, and flavonoids in leaves and roots.
• * Measurement of antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity.
• * Correlation analysis between various components and activities.

Main Results:

• * Domesticated cultivation significantly increased ascorbic acid, total phenols, and flavonoids in Taraxacum mongolicum leaves and roots, and in Sonchus oleraceus leaves.
• * Antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacities were markedly enhanced in domesticated T. mongolicum and S. oleraceus leaves and roots (except S. oleraceus roots).
• * Yield increased substantially in domesticated T. mongolicum (12,850 kg/ha) and S. oleraceus (18,600 kg/ha).
• * Free radical scavenging capacity in leaves negatively correlated with soluble sugar, while root soluble sugar positively correlated with soluble protein.

Conclusions:

• * Domesticated cultivation of Taraxacum mongolicum and Sonchus oleraceus significantly improves yield, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant capacity, making them more viable for medicinal and commercial use.
• * Findings provide valuable insights for further research into the bioactive substances and antioxidant-related genes of these species.
• * Domestication is a promising strategy to enhance the sustainable supply of these potent medicinal herbs.