Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Cichorium spinosum L. leaves in relation to developmental stage

- The effect of growth stage on chemical composition of C. spinosum was studied.
- Chemical composition of leaves changes significantly during plant development.
- The highest tocopherols and minerals content was observed in the 1st stage.
- Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds content was highest in the 3rd stage.
- 5-O-Caffeoylquinic and chicoric acid were the main phenolics in all growth stages.

In the present study, chemical composition and bioactivity of Cichorium spinosum leaves were examined at different growth stages for optimum harvest stage and end-use assessment. Total fresh weight and number of leaves were higher at 4th growth stage; however, at this stage the end-use is not indicated for raw consumption but mostly for pickled or dried products. Regarding chemical composition, the highest content of tocopherols and minerals was observed in the 1st growth stage, whereas sugars content was the highest in 3rd and 4th growth stage. Polyunsaturated fatty acids content was the highest during the first two growth stages, whereas antioxidant activity, phenolic acids and total phenolic compounds content in the 3rd stage. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that chemical composition of C. spinosum is highly depended on development stage, and harvest stage should be considered for alternative uses of end-products with high bioactivity.