Characterization of Phenolic Metabolites and Enzyme Activities During Growth Stages of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Tracks
Tully 2
| Monday, July 27, 2026 |
| 3:45 PM - 4:00 PM |
Speaker
Mohammad Asif Gawhari
PhD Scholar
Punjabi University
Characterization of Phenolic Metabolites and Enzyme Activities During Growth Stages of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
ISE Congress 2026 Abstract
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a medicinal plant recognized for its high content of phenolic compounds, notably flavonolignans, flavonoids, and simple phenolic acids, which contribute to its significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. This study aimed to characterize the biochemical composition and to assess the activities of key enzymes—phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)—involved in phenolic biosynthesis in various plant parts and commercial extracts across different growth stages. Plant samples, including leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and commercial extracts, were collected monthly over a six-month period, and standard protocols were used for biochemical and enzymatic analyses. Results showed that PPO and PAL activities peaked at the fourth and third month, respectively, then declined, with aerial parts exhibiting higher activity than flowers, seeds, or commercial extracts. Total phenols and flavonoids increased with plant age, while carotenoids, chlorophylls, and β-carotene showed distinct temporal patterns. Notably, commercial extracts demonstrated negligible enzyme activity and generally lower levels of bioactive compounds. Study limitations include limited sampling frequency, absence of environmental data, and a lack of individual phenolic profiling or bioactivity assays. Future research should employ advanced metabolite identification, assess additional enzymes and gene expression, integrate environmental monitoring, and directly evaluate biological activities. These findings provide insight into the dynamic biochemical profile of milk thistle and highlight areas for further investigation to optimize its medicinal use.
Biography
I earned my bachelor's degree in chemistry from Kabul University in 2016. Subsequently, I served as a biochemistry lecturer at Melat Medical Institute. In 2019, I pursued a master's degree in Clinical Biochemistry in India, completing the program in 2021.
Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in the Biotechnology and Food Technology Department at Punjabi University, Patiala, focusing on “Phenolic characterization of Silybum marianum using bio-analytical techniques and in vitro study of its hepatoprotective role.”
I am eager to attend as an oral presenter to share my research findings in this conference, as they directly align with the focus of my Ph.D. program.