Abstract

Abstract

This study investigated the wildly grown gapla Bongardia chrysogonum collected from Qaradagh district, Sulaymaniyah governorate, during March–April 2024, aiming to quantify the phytochemical contents and assess antioxidant and antibacterial activities in different parts (tuber bark, tubers, stems, leaves, flower buds, and flowers). Tuber bark contained the highest phenols (164.9 mg/g). Leaves recorded the highest flavonoids (27 mg/g) and glycosides (20 mg/g), while flower buds showed the highest alkaloids (23.3 mg/g). HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds revealed distinct distributions: flower buds were rich in gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids with (124.9, 92.6 and 98.7 µg/g), respectively. Leaves accumulated rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and ferulic acid with (124.9, 117.9, 80.9 and 87.4 µg/g), respectively. Stems contained naringenin (80.65 µg/g) and hydroxybenzoic acid (60.9 µg/g), while tubers showed a peak in apigenin (76.9 µg/g). Alkaloids profiling detected scopolamine, quinine, caffeine, and xanthine in tubers and flowers only. Tubers contained the highest levels (147.9, 116.9, 74.6, and 98 µg/g), respectively compared to flowers (74.6, 88.5, 58.9, and 0 µg/g). Nutritionally, flower buds contained the highest carbohydrates (14.5%), nitrogen (6.3%), and phosphorus (0.88%), whereas leaves had the highest potassium (3%). All parts exhibited antioxidant activity; flower buds and tuber barks were the most effective (IC50 = 90.2 µg/mL and 94.1 µg/mL), stronger than vitamin C (133 µg/mL). Antibacterial assays showed tuber bark most active against gram-positive bacteria at 5 mg/mL, while leaves (10-40 mg/mL) inhibited gram-negative strains. In conclusion, this wild plant is rich in bioactive compounds, demonstrating strong nutritional, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential, and represents a promising natural resource.