GC/MS Based Metabolite Profiling and Biological Activity of Leaves and Flower Heads of Tanacetum Cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch.Bip.

Abstract Flower heads and leaves of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch. Bip. were examined separately for bioactive compounds and biological activity. The compounds were identified by GC/MS analysis. Studied extracts were evaluated for free radical scavenging activity, and for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and seed germination. Free phenolic acids and flavonoid aglycones were found in larger quantities in the leaves than in the flower heads, where sterols, fatty acids, pyrethrins, sugars, sugar derivatives and bound phenolic acids predominated. Significant antiradical activity (IC50 /mL) and low acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC50 >1 mg/mL) was found. Moderate inhibitory activity against germination and root elongation of Lolium perenne L. seeds was determined. The study presents for the first time detailed data on the content of phenolic acids in free, esterified and insoluble-bound forms in this species. Some of the identified flavonoids from the leaf extract are reported for the first time in the species. Keywords: GC/MS, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, Asteraceae (Composite)