Biochemical Profiles, DPPH Radical-Scavenging Activity, and Associated Soil Properties of Wild Galium verum L. and Galium aparine L. Populations in Southeastern Bulgaria.

Summary

This matched soil-plant survey of six wild populations of two Galium species from southeastern Bulgaria characterised biochemical and phytochemical variation in relation to soil properties. Galium verum showed higher antioxidant capacity (DPPH values 26.4 vs 14.7 µmol Trolox equivalents/g), whilst G. aparine exhibited higher crude protein and total phenolic content. Exploratory analysis suggested coordinated variation between plant chemistry and soil variables, though the authors acknowledge that confounding of species identity with sampling location and season precludes causal inference and limits distinction between taxonomic, seasonal, and edaphic effects.

Regional applicability

These findings relate to Bulgarian wild populations and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom conditions, though the methodological integration of soil-plant sampling could inform similar investigations of wild medicinal plant populations in the UK. The species' habitat preferences and biochemical responses to soil conditions may differ substantially across biogeographic regions.

Key measures

DPPH radical-scavenging activity (µmol Trolox equivalents per gram dry extract), percentage inhibition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anthocyanin assay responses, crude protein, ash, soil physicochemical properties, nutrient concentrations (including zinc), cation exchange capacity

Outcomes reported

The study measured proximate composition, total phenolic and flavonoid content, anthocyanin responses, and DPPH radical-scavenging activity in six wild populations of Galium verum and Galium aparine, and characterised associated soil properties including nutrient concentrations and texture. Species-level differences in biochemical profiles and exploratory associations between soil variables and plant chemistry were identified.

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