Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties in Hemerocallis Species
Summary
Hemerocallis species, commonly known as daylilies, are valued for ornamental, culinary and medicinal uses across Asia and beyond. Research has revealed a rich diversity of phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, concentrated in both floral and foliar tissues. These compounds contribute to potent antioxidant properties by neutralising reactive oxygen species and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Key phenolics such as chlorogenic acid, quercetin derivatives and anthocyanins have been identified, varying by cultivar, developmental stage and environmental conditions. Antioxidant efficacy, typically evaluated via free radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition assays, underpins potential applications in food preservation, cosmetic formulations and health supplements. Advances in analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, have facilitated detailed phytochemical profiling. Variation in phenolic content across species and production regions underscores the influence of genetic factors and agronomic practices on phytochemical yield. The global significance of this research lies in the optimisation of daylily cultivation for maximal health benefits, the development of novel bioactive extracts and the integration of Hemerocallis into functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties in Hemerocallis Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties in hemerocallis species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phenolic compound: A class of plant metabolites characterised by one or more hydroxyl groups attached to an aromatic ring, contributing to antioxidant activity.
Flavonoid: A subgroup of phenolic compounds with a C6–C3–C6 structure, including flavonols and flavones, known for diverse biological activities.
Total polyphenol content (TPC): A quantitative measure of the sum of polyphenolic compounds in a sample, often determined by spectrophotometric assay.
Metabolomics: A systematic analysis of the small-molecule metabolite profile within a biological sample, enabling comprehensive phytochemical characterisation.
Antioxidant activity: The capacity of a substance to neutralise free radicals or inhibit oxidative processes, assessed through assays such as radical scavenging tests.
References
- Widely Targeted Metabolomics Analysis Revealed the Component Differences of Hemerocallis citrina Borani in Different Production Areas of Datong. Foods (2024).
- Phenolic Composition and Skin-related Properties of the Aerial Parts Extract of Different Hemerocallis Cultivars. Antioxidants (2020).
- Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis on Flavonoid Distribution in Different Floral Parts of 42 Hemerocallis Accessions. Frontiers in Plant Science (2021).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.