Investigation of phytochemical diversity of Viscum album L. populations grown on different hosts in Alborz, Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces

European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) a semi-parasitic plant that often grows on forest trees and shrubs, is used in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer due to its valuable active ingredients. The quantity and quality of active ingredients in parasitic and semi-parasitic plants in addition to genetic and environmental factors, are also affected by the host tree. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design with the aim of investigating the phytochemical diversity of 20 populations of mistletoe on different hosts by collecting samples from different regions of Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, and Alborz provinces in the summer of 2017. The extracts were obtained by reflux method with 70% ethanol. The content of syringic acid, total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, protein, and antioxidant activity were measured by a spectrophotometer and HPLC methods in the leaves of plants in different populations. The results showed that the amount of chemical composition of mistletoe populations was affected by environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and altitude, and the type of host tree. These populations were classified into 3 distinct groups. The mistletoe collected from Gilan and Alborz provinces did not have much phytochemical diversity. Populations of Guilan province had the highest mean of total flavonoids, protein, and antioxidant activity. The mistletoe collected from Mazandaran and Golestan provinces had more phytochemical diversity. It seems that in addition to environmental conditions, the host tree type was also responsible for creating the phytochemical diversity of European mistletoe in these provinces.