Phenolic and Mineral Composition of Wild Chicory Grown in Romania

Abstract

The paper presents original results concerning phenolic and mineral composition of different parts of wild chicory grown in Romania (flowers, leaves, stems and roots). Total and some individual phenols concentrations were determined using molecular absorption spectrometry (modified Folin Ciocalteu method) and HPLC-DAD. Metals concentrations were measured by FAAS. The highest total phenolic compounds concentration was founded in flowers (1531.2 mg GAE/100g d.w.), followed by leaves (1180.3 mg GAE/100g d.w.), roots (167.86 mg GAE/100g d.w.) and stems (142.36 mg GAE/100g d.w.). HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of seven phenolic acids in the range of 30-50% from total phenols concentration. The main determined phenolic compounds are: in flowers methyl gallic acid (301.55 mg/100g d.w.) in leaves, roots and stems ellagic acid (389.68 mg/100g d.w., 67.93 mg/100g d.w. respectively 22.97 mg/100g d.w.). Metals analyses by FAAS indicate that Cd, Cr, K, Ni and Pb are in concentrations under the detection limits. Except iron and sodium, all others metals are in higher concentration in leaves. Rank for the metal concentration from chicory was Ca]Mg]Zn]Na]Cu]Fe]Mn.