Polyphenolics are plant aromatic compounds produced as secondary metabolites which contribute to defense mechanisms against ultra violet light, pathogens and reactive oxygen species within the chloroplast. Sagebrush found in arid regions of the western United States produce polyphenolic compounds in high quantity and variety. In these plants, production fluctuates seasonally and in response to stresses. In this study, species and subspecies of sagebrush, including Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula and Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, were collected from sites in southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Extracts containing polyphenols were analyzed with reverse phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separation. Peak areas were compared using an ANOVA statistical analysis. Polyphenols are of interest in human health because diets high in polyphenols are associated with reduced occurrences of stroke, type II diabetes, and cancer. Further research on polyphenols in different species of Artemisia may lead to identification of compounds for potential medicinal use.

Comparison of Polyphenols in Various Species of Artemisia