Main nutrients, phenolics, antioxidant activity, DNA damage protective effect and microstructure of Sphallerocarpus gracilis root at different harvest time

► First analysed the main nutrients and phenolic composition of S. gracilis root. ► First studied the antioxidant activity and DNA damage protective effect of the root. ► Microstructure of S. gracilis root was observed by SEM. ► Compared the phytochemicals and biological activities of S. gracilis roots harvested at different time.