How Does Cloning Change Phenolics, Minerals and Antioxidant Activity in <i>Helichrysum arenarium</i> (L.) Moench (Clone A, Clone B)?

Tissue culture and cloning are valuable techniques in plant biology research as they enable the production of genetically identical plants, which may be utilized for many purposes, such as crop enhancement, plant breeding, and genetic manipulation. Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench, also known as immortelle or strawflower (Asteraceae), is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family. In this study, the aerial part of two Clones (Clone A, Clone B) of H. arenarium were used to consider the effect of Clones on the phenolics, minerals, and antioxidant activities. The methanol extracts were analyzed and compared for phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy is a widely used method for the determination of a wide range of elements in plant materials, including macro and microelements. Calcium and potassium are the major mineral elements. The phenolics were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry. The highest caffeic acid was determined in the methanolic extract, followed by protocatechuic aldehyde and protocatechuic acid.