Phytochemical Analysis, Mineral Composition and GC-MS Profiling of Three Iris Species from the Southeastern Part of Kazakhstan

This study examined the phytochemical profiles and bioactive potential of <i>Iris alberti</i>, <i>I</i>. <i>pallasii</i>, and <i>I</i>. <i>sogdiana</i> collected from southeastern Kazakhstan. GC-MS analysis identified fatty acids, sterols, long-chain alcohols, and hydrocarbons in each species. The key phytosterols β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol were present in all three. <i>I</i>. <i>alberti</i> showed the highest sterol content of γ-sitosterol (28.49%) and campesterol (6.51%). <i>I</i>. <i>pallasii</i> contained significant amounts of hexacosanol (19.74%) and γ-sitosterol (13.24%), while <i>I</i>. <i>sogdiana</i> was notable for octacosanol (22.87%) and γ-sitosterol (12.18%). Fatty acid composition varied: <i>I</i>. <i>sogdiana</i> was rich in α-linolenic acid (4.77%) and palmitic acid (2.77%), <i>I</i>. <i>pallasii</i> had 3.96% and (3.48%). <i>I</i>. <i>alberti</i> contained dodecanoic acid (3.83%) and branched-chain fatty acids. Tannin content was highest in <i>I</i>. <i>alberti</i> (1.88%), while alkaloid levels were moderate across species (0.63-0.77%). Mineral analysis showed <i>I</i>. <i>pallasii</i> had the highest Ca (586.62 mg/100 g), Mg and K, whereas <i>I</i>. <i>sogdiana</i> had the highest potassium (538.36 mg/100 g). HPLC-DAD analysis revealed distinct phenolic profiles. Water-alcohol extracts from rhizomes of <i>I</i>. <i>alberti</i> had an IC₅₀ of 16.90 ± 6.04 µg/mL in DPPH and were inactive in ABTS. <i>I</i>. <i>pallasii</i> exhibited IC₅₀ values of 28.77 ± 2.93 µg/mL (DPPH) and 10.93 ± 7.29 µg/mL (ABTS), while <i>I</i>. <i>sogdiana</i> showed negligible activity in both assays. Ethyl acetate extracts displayed higher IC₅₀ values, consistent with lower phenolic content.