Multivariate Analysis of Equisetum arvense L. Ecotypes Based on Silicon Content, Phytochemical and Morphological Characterization

• Published in: SILICON 2024, Vol.16 (1), p.115-122
• Main Authors: Eghlima, Ghasem, Esmaeili, Hassan, Frzaneh, Mohsen, Mirjalili, Mohammad Hossein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Environmental Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Lasers; Materials Science; Optical Devices; Optics; Photonics; Polymer Sciences
• ISSN: 1876-990X; 1876-9918
• DOI: 10.1007/s12633-023-02660-8

This research investigated the morphological and phytochemical traits and silicon content of some horsetail ecotypes. The multivariate analysis revealed high diversity in morphological traits, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH assays), phenolic compounds, and silica content. The plant height and width and the stem dry weight were in the ranges of 11–40 cm, 2.5–10 cm, and 0.22–0.89 g/plant, respectively. The HPLC assay detected five main phenolic acids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, p -coumaric acid, isoquercitrin, and rutin) among which isoquercitrin was the most abundant phenolic acid whose highest quantity was observed in ecotype EA2 . As well, EA6 was the richest ecotype in TPC (123.4 mg GAE/g DW) and antioxidant activity (IC 50  = 13.50 µg/ml) whereas EA2 outperformed the others in TFC (45.30 mg RE/g DW). The silicon content varied from 42.1 to 47.2% of ash. Its maximum and minimum levels were observed in EA2 and EA5 , respectively. The cluster analysis divided the horsetail ecotypes into three main groups. According to the factor analysis, the first three factors accounted for 74.78% of the total variance. The results showed that ecotype EA2 can be used in horsetail breeding programs to achieve the highest level of isoquercitrin and silica content.