Changes in the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of the medicinal plant Clematis ispahanica Boiss. in three natural habitats of Semnan province

In this study the antioxidant activity and physiological properties of Clematis ispahanica from different habitats of Semnan province were investigated. Three natural habitats of this plant were identified in Semnan province (Cheshmeh Ali, Dibaj and Mojen) and leaf were sampled from plants. Chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanin, proline, protein, phenol, flavonoid, reducing sugars, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase activities were measured. Also, the antioxidant properties of plants were investigated using DPPH radical scavenging capacity. Soil analysis of all three habitats was also done. The experiment was carried out as a completely random design with 3 repetitions and comparison of the average data using Duncan's test at a probability level of 5%. The results showed that the amount of plant metabolites, including soluble sugars, phenolic compounds and flavonoids, catalase enzyme activity and antioxidant properties was the highest in Cheshmeh Ali habitat and the lowest in Mojen habitat. On the other hand, the amount of plant defense compounds including proline, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and guaiacol peroxidase enzyme activity was the lowest in Cheshmeh Ali habitat and the highest in Mojen habitat. The amount of chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanin and protein was also the lowest in the Dibaj habitat with the highest altitude above sea level. The results of this research showed that the Cheshmeh Ali habitat with the highest amount of metabolites and the lowest amount of defense compounds is the least stressful habitat, and conversely, the Mojen habitat is the most stressful habitat for C. ispahanica.