Interpretation of the antioxidant potential of Salix purpurea subsp. leucodermis and Salix caprea L. using Phyton

This study explores the medicinal potential of two willow species, Salix purpurea subsp. leucodermis Yalt. and Salix caprea L., with a particular focus on their antioxidant properties. Willows are well known for their therapeutic applications, largely attributed to their phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which exhibit significant bioactive potential. In this research, we quantified the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in different plant parts—leaves, bark, and twigs—collected from distinct habitats. Considering the results of total phenolic and flavonoid content, it was observed that DPPH radical scavenging activity is notably elevated in the bark and leaves of the species, particularly in the NGBT and Kızılcahamam regions. Antioxidant capacity was also assessed using computational analyses performed with Python, with the goal of comparing the species' efficacy and exploring habitat influence on phytochemical composition. The results revealed significant variations in phenolic and flavonoid concentrations across species and habitats, underscoring the role of environmental factors in shaping metabolite accumulation. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the phytochemical applications of willows and highlight their potential as natural sources of antioxidants.