This study aimed to investigate variations in the phytochemical compound contents and antioxidant potential of the ethanol rhizome extracts of Smilax china L., belonging to the Liliaceae family, from different parts of Korea, namely Uiwang (Mt. Gamnamugol), Gyeonggi Province (SC1); Geochang, Gyeongnam Province (SC2); Yeongwol, Gangwon Province (SC3); and Chungju, Chungbuk Province (SC4). The phenolic and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging activity, and proximate composition of the ethanol extracts from the rhizome samples were determined. The total polyphenol content (TPC) of the extracts ranged between 13.6 and 67.5 mg tannic acid equivalent/g. TPC analysis showed that TPC was higher in SC2 than in SC3, SC4, or SC1. Among the rhizome samples, the SC3 rhizomes had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) (5.2 mg quercetin equivalents/g). Additionally, SC2 showed the highest radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS⁺ radicals. Chemical characterization using UPLC/UV revealed that the extracts contained compounds such as apiin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and chlorogenic acid. Specifically, in SC2, chlorogenic acid was the dominant compound, which supported the levels observed in the UPLC/UV and HPLC/ELSD investigations. Dioscin, another phytochemical, was detected in SC2, SC3, and SC4, indicating the diversity of compounds among the rhizome extracts. Variations in the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed in the extracts from the different regions, underlining the role of geographical variation in the functional characteristics of S. china. The observed differences could have important implications for the medicinal use of S. china extracts in applications such as anti-inflammatory treatments, diabetes management, and potential anticancer therapies. This study underscores the critical need to consider geographical origin when sourcing and utilizing S. china for therapeutic purposes, as it may significantly impact its bioactive profile and efficacy.

Peucedanum japonicum has long been a staple in East Asian cuisine. In the context of traditional medicine, various members of the Peucedanum genus have been investigated for potential medicinal properties. In laboratory settings, some compounds derived from this plant have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties—characteristics often associated with potential medicinal applications. This study aimed to determine which part of the P. japonicum plants cultivated on two Korean islands contains the most antioxidant compounds. This determination was made through assessments of total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content, coupled with evaluation of antioxidant activity via DPPH and ABTS assays. The results showed that the aerial parts contain a richer array of bioactive compounds and demonstrate superior antioxidant activity compared to their root counterparts in the plants from both islands. To characterize the phytochemicals underpinning this bioactivity, LC-MS/MS and HPLC analyses were carried out. These methods detected varying amounts of chlorogenic acid, peucedanol 7-O-glucoside, rutin, and peucedanol, with good separation and retention times. This study addresses the lack of research on the antioxidant activity of different parts of P. japonicum. The findings hold significance for traditional medicine, dietary supplements, and the development of functional foods. Understanding antioxidant distribution aids in the development of medicinal and nutritional applications, influences agricultural practices, and contributes to regional biodiversity-conservation efforts. The study’s geographical scope provides insights into how location impacts the concentration of bioactive compounds in plants. Overall, the results contribute valuable data for future research in plant biology, biochemistry, and related fields.

Adlay is an annual plant known for its abundant bioactive compounds and diverse pharmacological activities. Coixol, a key component found in various parts of adlay, significantly contributes to its biological activity. This study was conducted to extract adlay sprouts and seeds using different solvents (methanol and ethanol) and extraction methods (reflux and ultrasonic extraction). The extracts were then evaluated for their total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant ability (DPPH and ABTS⁺). Additionally, the coixol content of these extracts was analyzed using HPLC/DAD analysis. The results showed that the extraction methods and solvents used impacted the bioactive compounds and their activities in the samples. Adlay sprouts exhibited a higher compound content and stronger antioxidant capacity than adlay seeds. Moreover, a substantial amount of coixol was found in the sprouts, while it was not detected in the seeds. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate extraction methods to optimize the biological activities of adlay sprouts and seeds. Adlay sprouts, with their enriched phytochemical compounds and enhanced antioxidant ability, could serve as a valuable material for health product applications.

Since atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease, natural remedies, such as Filipendula glaberrima Nakai (FG), with anti-inflammatory properties are possible promising therapeutic options. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of FG extracts at different growth stages. Seven compounds were isolated from the FG leaf extracts using open-column chromatography, and they were analyzed using HPLC. The extracts were further evaluated for their total polyphenol and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC). The in vitro antioxidant properties of the FG extracts were evaluated using radical scavenging assays, whereas their anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by evaluating their ability to inhibit the production of inflammation-associated biomarkers using the Griess assay and ELISA, respectively. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the viability and cytotoxicity of the FG extracts in keratinocyte cell lines. The results showed that the full-flowering stage exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities, thus suggesting a positive correlation between these properties. All FG extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, the FG extracts suppressed the production of cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes, indicating their anti-atopic potential. HPLC analysis revealed that the full-flowering stage had the highest content of all the analyzed phytochemicals (gallic acid, (+)-catechin, hyperin, miquelianin, astragalin, afzelin, and quercetin). These results suggest that the full-flowering stage of FG is the most promising source for therapeutic applications owing to its superior phytochemical profile and biological activities. This study highlights the potential of FG extracts, particularly in its full-flowering stage, as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of inflammation-related diseases, and it can also serve as a reference for further research on FG.

Adenocaulon himalaicum is widely distributed across Asia. In its early growth stages, A. himalaicum is traditionally consumed as a food source in Korea. Although previous research has identified the presence of bioactive compounds in A. himalaicum extract, suggesting its potential as a medicinal resource, the phytochemical profile of A. himalaicum extract has not been extensively determined. This investigation aimed to identify the phytochemicals present in the true leaf and cotyledon of A. himalaicum (TLA and CLA, respectively) and evaluate their radical-scavenging activity. By performing LC-MS/MS and HPLC, varying amounts of isochlorogenic acid A, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, rutin, chlorogenic acid, hyperin, and neochlorogenic acid were detected in the TLA and CLA extracts. Chlorogenic acid (9.002 mg/g DW), isochlorogenic acid A (28.512 mg/g DW), and isochlorogenic acid B (12.223 mg/g DW) were the most abundant in TLA. TLA exhibited higher phytochemical content (49.737 mg/g DW), total phenolic content (45.51 mg tannic acid equivalent/g extract), and total flavonoid content (16.24 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract) than CLA. Moreover, the radical-scavenging activity of TLA was two times higher than that of CLA. The young leaf of A. himalaicum has a rich phytochemical profile and robust antioxidant activity; hence, it has potential as natural antioxidant sources for human health and valuable pharmacognosy raw materials for pharmaceutical and functional food applications.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) is a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable that has garnered increasing attention owing to its potential health benefits. This study aimed to quantify the phytochemical constituents of the new cauliflower variety “BetaCaulie” using advanced analytical methods to elucidate their potential contribution to human nutrition and health. Sinigrin (1), neochlorogenic acid (2), cryptochlorogenic acid (3), and sinapic acid (4) were abundant in the yellow variety, where their concentration reached a total content of 11.86 mg/g. Among the carotenoids, β-carotene (7) had a concentration of 210.77 mg/g. In the DPPH and ABTS⁺ assays, the control variety exhibited superior antioxidant activity despite having less diverse polyphenols, as evidenced by lower IC₅₀ values of 20.67 and 24.34 mg/mL, respectively. This may be due to the high neochlorogenic acid (2) (14.89 mg/g) content of the control variety. These findings highlight the complexity of plant antioxidant mechanisms, in which different compounds interact uniquely, resulting in an overall antioxidant potential. This dichotomy highlights the potential for targeted breeding strategies that optimize polyphenol or carotenoid levels, depending on the desired health benefits or nutritional goals.