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Tissue-Specific Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity of Ricinus communis L. Under Varying Agronomic Conditions
Yunus Guzel1, Sema Basbag1, Abbas Tarhan2
1Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Dicle, Diyarbakır, Türkiye.
Chemistry & Biodiversity
|July 15, 2026
Summary
This study shows that Ricinus communis L. (castor bean) cultivation practices, specifically sowing dates and nitrogen levels, impact its phytochemicals and biological activities. Castor bean extracts demonstrate significant antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting properties, with distinct activities in different plant parts.
Area of Science:
- Agronomy and Pharmacology
- Phytochemistry
- Natural Product Drug Discovery
Background:
- Natural bioactive compounds are crucial for pharmaceutical development due to their efficacy and safety.
- Ricinus communis L. (castor bean) is a plant with potential medicinal properties.
- Optimizing cultivation practices can enhance the yield and quality of bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of varying sowing dates and nitrogen treatments on the phytochemical profile and biological activity of Ricinus communis L.
- To identify major phenolic-flavonoid compounds and assess antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.
- To explore tissue-specific enzymatic targeting by different parts of the castor bean plant.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative LC-MS/MS profiling was used to determine major phenolic-flavonoid compounds.
- Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays.
- Enzymatic assays were performed to assess inhibitory effects on urease, collagenase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
Main Results:
- Quinic acid, ellagic acid, and gallic acid were identified as major compounds in Ricinus communis L. extracts.
- Extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50: 37.35 µg/mL, ABTS IC50: 13.05 µg/mL, CUPRAC A0.5: 30.93 µg/mL).
- Aerial parts showed high urease and collagenase inhibition, while seeds were potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase and AChE.
Conclusions:
- Sowing dates and nitrogen treatments significantly influence the phytochemical yield and biological activity of Ricinus communis L.
- Ricinus communis L. possesses potent antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties.
- A distinct tissue-specific enzymatic targeting was observed, with aerial parts and seeds acting on different pathways, highlighting potential for targeted drug development.
