Investigation of metabolites content and antioxidant activity of various organs of invasive weed of Ipomoea tricolor Cav. in Gonbad Kavous farms

The purpose of this study was to evaluate metabolites content (primary and secondary) and antioxidant activity of different organs of Ipomoea tricolor weed including stem, leaf, and fruit leaf, individually and in combination. The weed under study was first collected at fruit stage and divided into organs. Antioxidant activities of various organs of Ipomoea tricolor were measured according to the method of DPPH. Results showed that mixed organs of Ipomoea tricolor and then leaf had maximum total phenol contents in that order. In case of anthocyanins, the highest levels were obtained from leaf while the lowest content of both secondary metabolites were found in the stem. Results also showed that leaves had maximum soluble sugars and proline contents. Correlation coefficient of data showed a significant positive relationship between anthocyanin contents of various organs of Ipomoea tricolor and their soluble sugar and proline contents. According to the findings, content of protein and starch in various organs significantly decreased with an increase in the secondary metabolite contents of anthocyanins. Mean comparison of antioxidant activity of various organs of Ipomoea tricolor showed that leaf and fruit had the highest and lowest antioxidant activities for inhibiting free radicals, respectively. Regarding the effect of the type of Ipomoea tricolor weed organ on the quantity of metabolites especially secondary compounds like phenols and anthocyanins and also antioxidant activity, the plant, especially the leaves may be introduced as a notable candidate for oxidative decomposition of free radicals, improving the nutritional value of food, or as a natural herbicide due to its high biomass.