Abstract

Drug development often begins with the discovery of bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants. This process involves isolating, purifying, and identifying the active ingredients responsible for the plant’s therapeutic effects. Phytochemicals from ethnopharmacologically recognized plants are valuable resources for drug discovery. In Palestine, Achillea fragrantissima (A. fragrantissima) is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants, known for its diverse therapeutic properties in treating various ailments. The aim of this study was to identify the primary phenolic compounds present in a wild water infusion of A. fragrantissima. Using a UPLC-PDA-ESi-MS approach, we successfully identified a range of phenolic compounds, including several flavonoid derivatives such as kaempferol 3-O-(6”-malonyl-glucoside), pelargonidin 3-O-arabinoside, phloretin, catechin, and rutin. These compounds are well-known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, we identified a variety of phenolic acids, including hydroxycaffeic acid, dihydrocaffeic acid, ferulic acid 4-O-glucoside, and gallic acid. Notably, resveratrol 3-O-glucoside and resveratrol 5-O-glucoside were also detected, compounds recognized for their potential anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective properties. This study highlights the rich phytochemical profile of A. fragrantissima, reinforcing its therapeutic potential and providing a foundation for future drug development from this plant species.

Keywords

Achillea fragrantissima, leaves, infusion, polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, UPLC-PDA-ESi-MS