Sci Rep. 2026 May 10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-52703-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
This study investigates variation in the phytochemical composition of Cedrus libani A. Rich. leaves across an altitudinal gradient, focusing on volatile and flavonoid profiles. Leaf samples were collected from three elevations (1300, 1500, and 1700 m) in the Yukarı Gökdere Forest region (Isparta, Turkey). Volatile compounds were analyzed using GC-MS, and flavonoid compounds were determined by RP-HPLC. A total of 45 volatile compounds were identified, predominantly consisting of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Major components included limonene, β-myrcene, α-pinene, caryophyllene, and germacrene-D, with significant variation observed among elevation groups. One-way ANOVA indicated that several volatile compounds differed significantly across elevations (p < 0.05). Flavonoid analysis showed that rutin and kaempferol decreased with increasing elevation, whereas quercetin and catechin exhibited higher values at higher elevations. All analyzed flavonoid compounds showed statistically significant differences among elevation groups (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed separation patterns among samples based on their chemical composition. Overall, the results indicate that the phytochemical composition of C. libani leaves varies along the studied elevational gradient. These findings provide a preliminary and descriptive assessment of altitude-related chemical variation and highlight the need for further studies incorporating broader sampling designs and environmental measurements.
PMID:42108332 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-52703-4
