Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Iris Species

The genus Iris, encompassing over 260 species within the Iridaceae family, is celebrated for its diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Rhizomes, leaves and flowers of various species yield rich profiles of phenolic compounds, notably flavonoids and isoflavonoids, alongside xanthones, benzophenones and volatile irones. These phytochemicals underpin a spectrum of biological activities. Antioxidant properties are consistently reported, with free radical scavenging attributed to flavonoid aglycones and their glycosides. Enzyme inhibition studies demonstrate potent α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase activity, suggesting a role in diabetes and obesity management. Antimicrobial efficacy ranges from broad-spectrum bacterial inhibition to disruption of oral biofilms, while anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects have been observed in vitro. Traditional uses in gastritis and bacterial infections find validation through selective cyclo-oxygenase and microbial enzyme inhibition. Advances in analytical methods have deepened understanding of structure–activity relationships and informed in silico docking for potential drug leads. The global significance of Iris phytochemicals extends to pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, where they offer natural alternatives for health-promoting applications.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Comparative metabolic profiling of Iris pseudacorus cultivars from distinct geographic origins has illuminated the complex phytochemical landscape of this species. Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry, researchers identified over forty constituents, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Extracts displayed significant radical scavenging activity and potent inhibition of α-glucosidase and lipase, surpassing standard inhibitors. Molecular docking supported these findings by revealing strong binding affinities of key metabolites to enzyme active sites. Validated ADMET predictions further highlighted favourable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles, positioning I. pseudacorus as a source for novel phytopharmaceuticals. Investigation of Iris confusa has yielded irigenin as a promising lead compound against Helicobacter pylori. Fractionation of polar and non-polar extracts enabled isolation of tectoridin, irigenin and related flavonoids. Irigenin exhibited selective inhibition of H. pylori growth and target enzymatic activity, including bacterial inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase, with negligible effects on human homologues. Concurrent cyclo-oxygenase and nitric oxide suppression corroborated traditional anti-inflammatory claims and underscored the potential of I. confusa metabolites for gastroprotective drug development.

Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Iris Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and biological activities of iris species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Flavonoid: A class of polyphenolic plant metabolites with antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties.

Isoflavonoid: A subclass of flavonoids characterised by a 3-phenylchromen-4-one backbone, often linked to oestrogenic and antimicrobial activities.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS: Analytical technique combining ultra-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry for detailed metabolic profiling.

α-Glucosidase: An enzyme involved in carbohydrate digestion; its inhibition can moderate postprandial blood glucose levels.

GC-MS: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, an analytical method for separating and identifying volatile organic compounds.

References

1. Exploring the Use of Iris Species: Antioxidant Properties, Phytochemistry, Medicinal and Industrial Applications. Antioxidants (2022).
2. Metabolic profiling, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition potential of Iris pseudacorus L. from Egypt and Japan: A comparative study. Scientific Reports (2023).
3. Irigenin, a novel lead from Iris confusa for management of Helicobacter pylori infection with selective COX-2 and HpIMPDH inhibitory potential. Scientific Reports (2022).
4. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds from Three Endemic Iris Taxa: Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction vs. Hydrodistillation. Molecules (2024).
5. Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Iris Species Growing in Iraqi Kurdistan and Phenolic Constituents of the Traditional Plant Iris postii. Molecules (2021).
6. Phytochemical Composition and In Vitro Biological Activity of Iris spp. (Iridaceae): A New Source of Bioactive Constituents for the Inhibition of Oral Bacterial Biofilms. Antibiotics (2020).