Evaluation of Morphological, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Properties of Wild Equisetum arvense: Impact of Aquaponic Cultivation.

Abstract

Equisetum arvense is known as a rich source of phytochemicals, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, in traditional and modern medicine. This study aimed to compare morphological characteristics, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activity of wild versus aquaponically cultivated E. arvense to assess the impact of cultivation method on plant quality. Plant samples were collected from wild areas and an aquaponic cultivation system. Morphological characteristics were measured. Active compounds were analyzed using HPLC, as well as Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods to measure the concentrations of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was also evaluated using DPPH tests. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test. Morphological comparison showed that aquaponic plants had significantly greater height, stem diameter, node spacing, and internode spacing, while wild plants had more leaves per node (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed for internodes per leaf and sheath teeth(ns). HPLC analysis revealed that wild extracts contained higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid (58 mg/g), ferulic acid (11.83 mg/g), and rutin (10.98 mg/g), while aquaponic samples were richer in rosmarinic acid (7.34 mg/g). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher in wild plants (55.4 mg GAE/g and 31.25 mg RE/g) compared to aquaponic ones (45.4 mg GAE/g and 21.25 mg RE/g). Antioxidant activity (IC50) was 282.83 μg/mL for wild and 182.83 μg/mL for aquaponic samples. These results suggest that cultivation method critically determines the chemical composition and biological activity of E. arvense. Despite lower phenolic levels, aquaponic plants showed superior antioxidant activity. Each method offers distinct advantages, and neither is absolutely superior. Aquaponic systems may serve as a sustainable platform for producing medicinal plant extracts with potential therapeutic value.