# Effect of Different Seasons and Development Stages on the Chemical Composition and Bioactive Potential of Cardoon

## TL;DR

This study explores how seasons and growth stages affect the chemical makeup and bioactive properties of cardoon plants in Greece.

## Contribution

The study reveals how seasonal changes and development stages influence cardoon's chemical composition and bioactive potential.

## Key findings

- Seasonal variations significantly impact the chemical composition of cardoon tissues.
- Different growth stages correlate with distinct bioactive properties in cardoon.
- Environmental factors influence the plant's physiological processes and tissue functions.

## Abstract

Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon) is a wild species of the Mediterranean basin and is highly appreciated due to its rich nutritional value and versatile industrial applications. It is widely known that environmental conditions, such as air temperature, humidity, and solar radiation, among others, play a crucial role in plant phenological variations and the chemical composition and bioactive properties of different plant tissues of cardoon. This study applied several statistical methods to uncover the variations in biomolecules of different cardoon tissues collected in Greece over the growth cycle. The influence of the different seasons on the species is evident, resulting in a clear discrimination between the samples harvested throughout the growth cycle. In addition, the observed fluctuations in chemical composition are consistent with each vegetable tissue’s functions and the plant’s different physiological processes. This work allows for a better understanding and knowledge of the species, encouraging more profitable and sustainable use of all the plant parts.