Characterization of the Elemental Constituents, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cultivated Horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) Leaves from Van, Türkiye

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) is a perennial plant species that originated in the Mediterranean-Central Asian region and has since become globally distributed. Marrubium vulgare L. is a plant species that contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, sterols, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and various phenolic compounds. The flowering aerial parts or leaves of this plant are widely used in traditional medicine throughout Anatolia and other regions for their aromatic, antipyretic, diuretic, and carminative properties, as well as their effectiveness in treating conditions such as colds, coughs, and respiratory disorders. This study aim to explore the total phenolic and flavonoid content, total antioxidant capacity, macro-micro element and heavy metal composition of cultivated M. vulgare L. The results of the study revealed that the total flavonoid content was 8.64 mg QE 100 g-1, the total phenolic content was 133.18 mg GAE g-1, and the total antioxidant activity was 53.45 μmol TE g-1. The study also characterized the total ash and dry matter content and mineral composition of the species, including both macronutrients and micronutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo) as well as the presence of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Se, Ni, Pb, As).