Unveiling Bioactive Compounds of Endemic Ornithogalum yesilyurtense: A First Comprehensive Study.

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Ethnobotany

Background:

• Ornithogalum yesilyurtense is a recently identified endemic geophyte native to Türkiye.
• This study provides the first detailed phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of this species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of O. yesilyurtense.
• To evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of its aerial and bulb extracts.
• To identify key bioactive compounds responsible for observed activities.

Main Methods:

• Methanol extraction from aerial and bulb parts.
• Assessment of antioxidant activity using Ferric Reducing Power (FRAP) and DPPH assays.
• Identification of phenolic and fatty acid profiles using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Main Results:

• Aerial parts exhibited higher total phenolic content (TPC) and superior antioxidant activity compared to bulb parts.
• Palmitic, linolenic, and γ-linolenic acids were dominant in aerial parts; cis-linoleic and palmitic acids in bulbs.
• Key phenolics identified include resveratrol, hydroxycinnamic acid, and vanillic acid in aerial parts, and ellagic, hydroxycinnamic, and gallic acids in bulbs.
• Both extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities.

Conclusions:

• O. yesilyurtense is a valuable source of bioactive compounds.
• The plant possesses notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, with aerial parts showing greater efficacy.
• It holds promise for development in pharmaceutical and functional food industries.