Ferula varia Trautv. Root Extract: Extraction, Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Biological Activity

Background/Objectives: Ferula varia Trautv. is a promising medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family and a potential source of biologically active secondary metabolites. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological activities of F. varia root extract. Methods: The non-volatile compounds were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS/MS) method. Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial potential of the extract were evaluated using spectrophotometric and microdilution assays. Results: HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis enabled the tentative identification of 25 metabolites in the F. varia root extract, predominantly sesquiterpene coumarins together with organic acids, phenolic acids, coumarins, sesquiterpene esters, and prenylated aromatic compounds. The extract contained 30.06 ± 3.00 mg GAE/g_extr of total phenolics and 1.42 ± 0.04 mg RuE/g_extr of total flavonoids. Antioxidant assays revealed Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values of 0.10 ± 0.00 mM, 110.31 ± 4.94 mg AsAE/g_extr, and 21.95 ± 0.00 mg TE/g_extr, respectively, while the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed weak radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ > 1 mg/mL). The extract also demonstrated stronger antimicrobial activity against yeasts than against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentration values ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg/mL and 10-20 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: These findings indicate that F. varia roots are a promising source of bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidant and antimicrobial potential.