Climate-Driven Variability in the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Allium ursinum L.

Allium ursinum L. (wild garlic) is a valuable medicinal and culinary plant, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of A. ursinum populations growing across eleven distinct sites in Lithuania, representing their different habitats. Leaves and flowers were extracted using solvent systems optimized for different compound groups, 70% methanol for phenolics, purified water for sulfur compounds, and methanol for carotenoids, assisted by ultrasonic extraction. Using HPLC-PDA and spectrophotometric assays, major flavonol glycosides, sulfur compounds and carotenoids were quantified in leaves and flowers. Significant variability in compound concentrations was observed between populations and plant organs. Flowers accumulated allicin (622–1442 μg/g DM) and higher levels of flavonol derivatives (up to 5949 μg/g DM), whereas leaves contained more carotenoids (384–656 μg/g DM). Antioxidant activity ranged from 473 to 719 μmol TE/g DM and showed positive correlation with the total content of identified phenolics in flowers. However, no significant correlation was observed between total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity in leaves. Multivariate analysis revealed clear clustering of populations based on climatic parameters, with higher precipitation and moderate spring temperatures favoring higher phenolic content. These findings suggest that local environmental factors significantly influence phytochemical profiles and antioxidant potential in A. ursinum. The results emphasize the importance of habitat conditions for optimal yield of bioactive compounds and support the development of site-adapted cultivation strategies for high-quality production of A. ursinum raw material.