Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Skin Pathogen Activity of Ranunculus asiaticus Extracts Enhanced Efficacy in Dark-Pigmented Floral Morphotypes

This study investigates the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of dark-pigmented versus light-pigmented Ranunculus asiaticus flowers, testing the hypothesis that floral pigmentation intensity predicts bioactive metabolite richness. Dark flowers exhibited significantly elevated levels of flavonoids (e.g., Burgundy: 33.1 mg/g DW), tannins, saponins, and steroids—absent in light morphotypes—validating the co-pigmentation defense hypothesis. Quantitative analyses revealed intra-varietal heterogeneity among dark phenotypes, with Burgundy flowers showing the highest polyphenol content (52.5 mg/g DW). GC-MS identified key bioactives (e.g., β-caryophyllene: 12.1%, palmitic acid: 18.2%, β-sitosterol: 11.6%), while HPLC quantified dominant flavonoid glycosides (quercetin-3-O-glucoside: 12.8 mg/g). The extract demonstrated potent concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity (92.7% membrane stabilization at 800 μg/mL; IC₅₀: 135.2 μg/mL), strong antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 92.5% scavenging at 400 μg/mL), and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects (against S. aureus: MIC = 0.52 mg/mL). These findings highlight dark-pigmented R. asiaticus as an underexplored reservoir of therapeutic compounds, with potential applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and dermatological formulations aimed at combating oxidative stress and inflammatory skin conditions.