Traditionally, the leaves and roots of Dittrichia viscosa are used as natural remedies for ailments, serving externally as an antispasmodic, sedative, and antiseptic, for treating wound healing, women's infertility, bronchial disorders, and hemorrhoids. It also exhibits various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, antibacterial, and anticancer activities.
There has been limited comparison research on the ideal harvest time and plant part to extract for human health. This study aims to evaluate in which harvest period, and which part of the plant is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds throughout the year. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were quantified, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity test was performed on the methanol extracts.
According to the results, the highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid content values was found in July harvest leaves (L07). This extract was analyzed with LC-MS/MS. The results were as follows: quercetin 40.66 mg/kg, rutin 16.41 mg/kg, rosmarinic acid 17.84 mg/kg, caffeic acid 7.98 mg/kg, and chlorogenic acid 3.89 mg/kg.
Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from leaves, roots, and flowers provide evidence for the reliability of their traditional use.