Impact of Sustainable Soil Cropping Management on the Production and Stability of Bioactive Compounds in Tanacetum balsamita L. by Cold Pressure Extraction

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of agronomic amendments, such as compost and bioinoculants (mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria), and eco-friendly agronomic practices, on the crop yield and stability of extracted Tanacetum balsamita L.’s bioactive compounds, which were obtained through cold pressure (Timatic). Plants were cultivated under four treatments: compost, bioinoculant, combination (bioinoculants + compost), and control treatments. After harvesting, the bioactive compounds were extracted and stored for one year at 4 °C and room temperature. Total polyphenols, IC50 values (DPPH test), and anti-radical activity (ORAC test) were assessed, and High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography analyses of polyphenolic profiles were performed. After 12 months, the quantified bioactive compounds exhibited a reduction of 1.5% to 5.6% at 4 °C, while more pronounced decreases were observed at room temperature: control (93%), compost (8.9%), bioinoculant (32.7%), and bioinoculant + compost (93.4%). Moreover, antioxidant and anti-radical activity were maintained in all treatments at 4 °C, whereas only the bioinoculant and compost treatments exhibited these activities at room temperature. The analysis of bioactive compounds in the 4 °C extracts indicated a statistically significant decline in quercetin and chlorogenic acid across all treatments, with caffeic acid remaining detectable after 12 months. In contrast, at room temperature, chlorogenic acid, di-caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin were retained only in the bioinoculant and compost treatments.