Chemical Profile and Allelopathic Potential of Asparagus setaceus (Kunth) Jessop (Asparagaceae)

Objective: This work aimed to elucidate the chemical profile and the allelopathic potential of the ethanolic extract of Asparagus setaceus leaves collected in the morning (8 A.M) and afternoon (2 P.M). Method: The extract was obtained using cold ethanol and the secondary metabolites classes were identified with specific reagents. For allelopathic activity, the test solution was obtained from 100 mg of ethanolic extract, dissolved in 100 mL of 66% ethanol, obtaining concentrations from 6.25% to 100%. Two control groups were used: distilled water and 66% ethanol alcohol in the evaluation of the following parameters: germination percentage (GP), germination speed index (GSI) and stem and radicle length. Results and Discussion: The tabulated results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, through analysis of variance and Tukey's test. The pH values of Asparagus setaceus ethanolic extract in the morning ranged from 9 to 12, for Asparagus setaceus ethanolic extract in the afternoon ranged from 8 to 12. In the phytochemical analysis, the morning extract showed a greater number of metabolites when compared to the same extract prepared in the afternoon, causing greater negative interference observed in the germination speed index and in the development of seedlings. Research Implications: Therefore, the combined action of these compounds and factors such as humidity, temperature and soil pattern should be considered when evaluating the different results found, and further studies are needed to investigate the specific constituents of allelopathic activity.