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. 2025 Jan 8;15(1):67.
doi: 10.3390/life15010067.

Histological Research and Phytochemical Characterization of Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. from Bihor County, Romania

Sorina-Georgiana Onea Minz  1 , Annamaria Pallag  1   2 , Cristina Burlou-Nagy Fati  1   2 , Tünde Jurca  1   2 , Laura Gratiela Vicaș  2 , Marian Eleonora  1   2 , Neli Kinga Olah  3   4 , Rita Kiss  5 , Bianca Pașca  2
Affiliations

Histological Research and Phytochemical Characterization of Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. from Bihor County, Romania

Sorina-Georgiana Onea Minz et al. Life (Basel). .

Abstract

Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. (CBP) is a species with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects. We have chosen to study this species because, although it is a common plant with a distinctive fruit appearance, its effects are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the histoanatomy of the vegetative, reproductive organs and to characterize CBP extracts in terms of bioactive compounds and its antioxidant capacity. This study investigated the quantitative chemical composition of this species using the HPLC method, revealing the total content in polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and investigated the antioxidant potential through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP assay), cupric ion (Cu2+) reduction, (CUPRAC assay), and a free radical scavenging method (DPPH). Our results show that CBP is a rich source of flavonoids, mainly from the extract obtained from the fruits; it has an antioxidant capacity, with the highest values being obtained from mature flowers and ripe fruits. Of the active principles, the highest amounts, according to HPLC determinations, were obtained in flowers and are represented by hyperoside. Thus, we can recommend the studied species for phytopharmaceutical preparations.

Keywords: HPLC method; anthocyanin; antioxidant capacity; flavonoids; histology; polyphenols.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author N.K.O. is employed by PlantExtrakt Ltd. and this statement certifies that there are no conflicts of interest. The rest of the authors have no affiliations with or involvement in the organization.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Calibration line made with gallic acid for Folin–Ciocalteu method in alcoholic medium. Absorbance 765 nm (concentration of gallic acid mg/GAE/100 g DW) where the blue squares highlight the mg/mL values used for the regression equation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Calibration line made with quercetin in alcoholic medium (surroundings, environment). (Absorbance 510 nm (concentration of quercetin mg QE/g DW).), where the blue squares highlight the mg/mL values used for the regression equation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. in the spontaneous flora of Romania.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Cross section through root of C. bursa-pastoris Medik. (400×) (Genevez reagent staining). a = exoderma; b = primary cortex; c = primary phloem; d = secondary phloem; e = medullary parenchyma; f = primary xilem; g = secondary xylem.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Cross section through stem of C. bursa-pastoris Medik. (400×). a = epidermis; b = primary cortex; c, g = pericycle; d = phloem vessel; e = vessel; f, h = xylem vessel; i = central pith.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Stellate unicellular trichomes from the leaf epidermis of C. bursa-pastoris Medik. (100× and 400×); (A) unicellular trichomes with 2 branches; (B) unicellular trichomes with 3 branches; (C) unicellular trichomes with 5 branches; (D) unicellular trichomes with 4 branches.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Structure of unicellular stellate protective trichomes with 5 branches on the leaf epidermis of C. bursa-pastoris Medik. (400×): a = cell wall; b = cytoplasm; c = ergastic inclusions; d = nucleus.
Figure 8
Figure 8
The HPLC chromatogram of the CBP root sample (1 = ferulic acid, 2 = rutosid, 3 = quercitrin).
Figure 9
Figure 9
The HPLC chromatogram of the CBP leaves sample (1 = ferulic acid, 2 = rutosid, 3 = quercitrin).
Figure 10
Figure 10
The HPLC chromatogram of the CBP flowers sample (1 = hyperosid, 2 = rutosid).
Figure 11
Figure 11
The HPLC chromatogram of the CBP fruits sample (1 = luteolin-7 O-glucoside, 2 = hyperosid, 3 = rutosid).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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