# Differential analysis of free and bound phenolic compounds and its antioxidant activity of Ficus hirta Vahl. root cortex with different leaf morphotypes based on metabolomics

## TL;DR

This study identifies and compares free and bound phenolic compounds in the root cortex of Ficus hirta Vahl. with different leaf types and finds their antioxidant activity.

## Contribution

The study reports 49 novel phenolic compounds in F. hirta Vahl. and links psoralen to antioxidant activity.

## Key findings

- 49 phenolic compounds were identified for the first time in F. hirta Vahl.
- Psoralen, bergapten, and coniferin were the most abundant phenolics.
- Free phenolics in five-lobed leaves differ from unlobed and three-lobed types.

## Abstract

The free and bound phenolic compounds and its antioxidant activities in the root cortext of F. hirta Vahl. were analyzed by UPLC-MS. 57 phenolic compounds were identified, among which 49 are novel and reported for the first time. Psoralen was the most common free phenolic, followed by coniferin and bergapten. Coniferin, afzelechin, naringenin, ferulic acid, and umbelliferone were the predominant bound phenolics. Both free and bound phenolic fraction exhibited relatively high capacity to scavenge DPPH free radicals. According to PCA and HCA analysis, free phenolic fraction in five-lobed leaf type were distinct from unlobed and three-lobed. Pearson correlation identified that psoralen and other 18 phenolic compounds were positively correlated with antioxidant activity. These findings can provide theoretical basis for the breeding of F. hirta Vahl. varieties to maximize phenol production for later development and commercial utilization.

•49 phenolic compounds were quantified for the first time.•Psoralen, bergapten and coniferin were the most abundant phenolics.•Psoralen were positively correlated with antioxidant activity.•Free phenolics fraction of FL were distinct from NL and TL.

49 phenolic compounds were quantified for the first time.

Psoralen, bergapten and coniferin were the most abundant phenolics.

Psoralen were positively correlated with antioxidant activity.

Free phenolics fraction of FL were distinct from NL and TL.