Elicitation effect on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in Mentha spicata

Phenolic compounds concentration in Mentha spicata could be modified by salicylic acid as elicitor. The objective of this work was to compare the phenolic compounds, flavonoids concentration and antioxidant activity by salicylic acid application. The plants were bought and cultured in greenhouse with two irrigations, first one with fertilizer (FE) water and second aquaculture residual water (ARW). Moreover, Salicylic Acid (AS) was elicited in two concentrations; 0.0 mM, 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM, in two times every 14 days. Also, ambient temperature and relative humidity were monitoring in each culture. Phenolic compound, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were determined. Our results displayed that 0.5 mM SA concentration increase the phenolic compounds when the plants were irrigated with fertilizer. Flavonoids increased in plants with 1.0 SA elicited and aquaponics water irrigated. Antioxidant activity was the best in plants elicited with 1.0 mM SA concentration.