Comprehensive characterization of 26 Turkish asteraceae species: Insights from FTIR, phytochemical composition, and elemental analysis via ICP-MS

This study provides a comprehensive phytochemical, elemental, and spectroscopic characterization of 26 species belonging to the Asteraceae family, several of which are endemic to Türkiye and traditionally used in folk medicine. Qualitative screening revealed the widespread presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and carbohydrates, while alkaloids and anthracene heterosides were entirely absent in all taxa. Among the species analyzed, Cichorium intybus, Cyanus depressus, Achillea arabica, and Cirsium davisianum exhibited the richest phytochemical diversity, suggesting strong biological potential. Quantitative evaluation showed that Klasea serratuloides possessed the highest total phenolic content (99.49 µg GAE/mg extract), followed by Artemisia scoparia and Inula sarana, indicating notable antioxidant potential. Elemental analysis by ICP-MS demonstrated significant interspecies variation, with Centaurea armena, Centaurea arvensis, and Cichorium intybus containing elevated levels of essential macro- and trace elements such as K, Mg, Ca, Zn, and Se, whereas Helichrysum plicatum and Scorzonera ulrichii showed high Co and Se contents. Conversely, trace levels of potentially toxic elements (e.g., Al, U) were detected in some taxa, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of their pharmacological use. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and cardioactive heterosides, as indicated by distinct O–H (3200–3600 cm⁻¹), C–H (2850–2950 cm⁻¹), and C=O (1700–1650 cm⁻¹) stretching bands. The combined interpretation of phytochemical and FTIR data underscores the chemical diversity and functional group complexity of these plant extracts. Overall, the results highlight the nutritional and pharmacognostic significance of several Asteraceae species, supporting their potential application in antioxidant, nutraceutical, and therapeutic formulations.