Differential analysis of free and bound phenolic compounds and its antioxidant activity of Ficus hirta Vahl. root cortex with different leaf morphotypes based on metabolomics

The free and bound phenolic compounds and its antioxidant activities in the root cortext of <i>F. hirta</i> Vahl. were analyzed by UPLC-MS. 57 phenolic compounds were identified, among which 49 are novel and reported for the first time. Psoralen was the most common free phenolic, followed by coniferin and bergapten. Coniferin, afzelechin, naringenin, ferulic acid, and umbelliferone were the predominant bound phenolics. Both free and bound phenolic fraction exhibited relatively high capacity to scavenge DPPH free radicals. According to PCA and HCA analysis, free phenolic fraction in five-lobed leaf type were distinct from unlobed and three-lobed. Pearson correlation identified that psoralen and other 18 phenolic compounds were positively correlated with antioxidant activity. These findings can provide theoretical basis for the breeding of <i>F. hirta</i> Vahl. varieties to maximize phenol production for later development and commercial utilization.