Abstract:
This study examines the phytocenotic, phenotypic, phytochemical, antioxidant,
and toxic effects of four geographically distinct populations of the traditionally used plant
species Adonis volgensis Steven ex DC. from Central and Northern Kazakhstan. These
populations, found in diverse habitats such as steppe-like forest edges and moist plains,
coexist with species like Achillea nobilis L. and Artemisia absinthium L. Significant variations
were observed in plant community composition and environmental stressors, including grazing and habitat degradation. Morphological analysis revealed that Population
2 exhibited greater vigor, while Population 3 was more constrained by local conditions,
highlighting adaptive strategies influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
FTIR analysis of A. volgensis extracts revealed distinct solvent-specific profiles of bioactive compounds. Ethanol (EtOH) and ethyl acetate extracts were rich in phenolic and
flavonoid compounds, whereas the chloroform (CHCl3) extract was less effective in extracting phenolics, displaying weaker O–H bands. Phytochemical analysis showed notable
variations in total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The highest TPC (89.351 ± 4.45 mg GAE/g d.w.) was found in the ethyl acetate extract from the
Akmola region, while the highest TFC (33.811 ± 0.170 mg QE/g d.w.) was observed in
the CHCl3 extract from Kostanay region. Toxicity assessment using the Artemia salina
lethality assay revealed significant mortality rates (88–96%) in CHCl3 extracts of aerial
parts, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect. These findings highlight the antioxidant and
potential toxic properties of A. volgensis, emphasizing the importance of solvent selection
in bioactive compound extraction for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
