Biochemical composition and pharmacological potential of species of the genus Arenaria L.

The study aimed to determine the dependence of the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Arenaria L. species on soil and climatic conditions of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. For this purpose, morphological analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography and spectrophotometry were used, and the data obtained were statistically analysed. The main results showed that the samples from the chornozem soils of the Sharur district had the highest content of phenolic compounds (42.5 ± 3.2 mg/g dry weight) and flavonoids (11.8 ± 1.1 mg/g dry weight), as well as high antioxidant activity, in particular, the IC50 was 23.3 ± 1.8 µg/ml, and the antioxidant capacity of antioxidant equivalent capacity of trolox (AEAC) reached 4.2 ± 0.3 mmol TE/g. Samples from mountainous areas, such as vicinity of Mount Garagush and Chalkhangala villages in Kangarli district, showed the lowest levels: the content of phenolic compounds was 24.5 ± 2.6 mg/g, flavonoids – 6.2 ± 0.5 mg/g, IC50 was 43.8 ± 3.1 µg/ml, and AEAC – 2.2 ± 0.2 mmol TE/g. A clear correlation was determined between the content of biologically active compounds and the chemical composition of the soil, particularly a high content of nitrogen (0.25 ± 0.02%) and phosphorus (220 ± 15 mg/kg) contributed to the maximum accumulation of these compounds. The practical significance of the study is determined by recommendations for optimal conditions for the cultivation of Arenaria L. to obtain plants with a high content of antioxidants. The findings highlight the importance of adapting agronomic approaches to specific environmental conditions to maximise the pharmacological potential of these plants