We are happy to share some great news – the publication of our new paper in the journal Antioxidants. In this study, we investigated the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of leaf and flower extracts from two invasive plant species – Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) – collected in the Istria region.
Using LC-DAD-MS methods and antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), we developed detailed phenolic profiles of both leaf and flower extracts. Our analyses confirmed high concentrations of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and ellagitannins, with strong correlations (r > 0.9) between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Among the most notable findings were vescalagin isomer concentrations of up to 94 mg/g in Tree of Heaven leaves and 5-caffeoylquinic acid levels of up to 25 mg/g in Jerusalem artichoke leaves.
These results highlight the untapped potential of invasive plants as rich natural sources of antioxidants, with promising applications in the development of functional foods and phytopharmaceuticals.
