The Volatile Compounds Composition of Different Parts of Wild Kazakhstan Sedum ewersii Ledeb.

: The chemical composition of Sedum ewersii Ledeb., a plant indigenous to Kazakhstan and traditionally utilized in folk medicine, was comprehensively investigated, with a focus on its various plant parts. Fresh samples collected in May 2023 from the Almaty region underwent hydrodistillation to extract volatile components, followed by analysis using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection, which identified a total of 71 compounds across different plant parts, including the root (underground part), root (aerial part), leaf, stem, and flowering aerial part. The predominant biologically active compound identified across all plant parts was Ethyl α -D-glucopyranoside. Monoterpenes, recognized as primary secondary metabolites, were notably abundant in each plant part, with varying compositions: the root (underground part) contained 28.58% aliphatic monoterpenes, 54.41% oxygenated monoterpenoids, 1.42% diterpenoids, and 15.59% other compounds; the root (aerial part) exhibited 1.34% aliphatic monoterpenes, 31.28% oxygenated monoterpenoids, 6.16% diterpenoids, and 61.22% other compounds; the stem and leaves showed 3.06% aliphatic monoterpenes, 21.49% oxygenated monoterpenoids, 17.99% diterpenoids, and 57.46% other compounds; and the flowering aerial part displayed 8.20% aliphatic monoterpenes, 53.18% oxygenated monoterpenoids, 23.75% diterpenoids, and 14.87% other compounds. Diterpenes, particularly Phytol, were prominently present in the leaf, stem, and flowering aerial parts. Additionally, a diverse array of organic acids, ketones, and phenolic compounds were identified across the plant parts, each potentially offering distinct pharmacological benefits. The presence of exclusive compounds in specific plant parts, such as Dihydroxyacetone in the root (aerial part), underscored the pharmacological diversity of S. ewersii . This study provides valuable insights into the chemical diversity and pharmacological potential of S. ewersii , suggesting promising applications in pharmaceutical and medicinal fields. Further research aimed at elucidating the individual and synergistic pharmacological effects of these compounds is crucial to fully harness the therapeutic benefits of this plant.


Introduction
Sedum L., or stonecrops, is a genus of flowering plants in the Crassulaceae family [1].About 400 species of succulent plants make up this varied genus, which is found all over the Northern Hemisphere, with Mexico and South America having the highest diversity [2].Originating from the Latin word "sedo", which means "to sit", the name "sedum" accurately depicts the low-growing habit of many species, which are frequently found nestled against walls or in rocky crevices [3].Succulent leaves are a distinguishing feature of Sedum species; they retain water and help the plants grow in a variety of harsh conditions, such as rocky and arid ones.They are attractive options for drought-tolerant gardens and green roofs because of their ability to adapt to water-stressed environments.Sedums grow in a variety of forms and sizes, displaying a broad range of growth patterns from creeping groundcovers to upright clumps [4].Depending on the species and cultivar, Sedum plants have star-shaped flowers that range in color from white and yellow to pink and red and are usually seen in clusters at the tops of the stems.These plants are prized for their ecological significance in addition to their esthetic appeal.With their nectar-rich blooms, sedums draw pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.Certain kinds of Sedum are used in landscaping and gardening, but they also have historic medicinal purposes.For instance, biting stonecrop, or Sedum acre, has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including skin disorders and warts [5].
Sedum plants are popular choices for inexperienced gardeners and those looking for low-maintenance landscaping because they are reasonably easy to grow and require little care.Depending on the species, they can grow in full sun to moderate shade and well-draining soil.Seed planting, division, and stem or leaf cuttings are some methods of propagation [6].
All things considered, Sedum L. is a varied and adaptive genus of plants with ecological and esthetic significance, enhancing the beauty of gardens and landscapes while also promoting biodiversity and environmentally friendly gardening techniques [7].
Sedum L. is a botanical species that exhibits variations in chemical composition based on the location within the plant.The lower portion of the plant has a higher content of cellulose, whereas the upper half of the plant has higher quantities of lignin and extractive, according to Guo, Xinyu et al., and Hu, Ying [8,9].The different portions of the Sedum L. plant may have distinct physiological characteristics or serve different purposes, as shown by this difference in chemical makeup.Furthermore, the middle lamella, primary wall, and secondary wall that make up Sedum L.'s cell wall structure affect the plant's chemical makeup [10].Different plant species, tissues, and stages of the Sedum L. plant's growth might have quite different structures and chemical compositions for each of these layers.This illustrates the intricacy of Sedum L.'s chemical composition and emphasizes how crucial it is to research its chemical makeup in order to comprehend its biological roles and possible advantages.Moreover, it is significant to remember that Sedum L.'s chemical makeup influences both its biological activities and its therapeutic qualities [11].
Sedum L. produces secondary metabolites, including sulfur-containing chemicals, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids [12].Given that Sedum L. contains several times more alkaloids than other species within its genus, it is not considered a promising medicinal plant in domestic medicine due to its caustic nature [13].However, Sedum L. has been utilized in folk medicine as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, and restorative agent [14].Additionally, it is used in homeopathy for treating hemorrhoids.Infusions made from Sedum L. are recommended for addressing constipation, hypotension, and malaria, and for external application on infected purulent wounds, eczema, trophic ulcers, and hyperkeratosis [15].Diluted fresh plant juice is taken internally to treat anemia, vitamin deficiencies, vascular atherosclerosis, and intestinal paresis.Moreover, fresh juice is applied to remove papillomas and warts, and to lighten pigmented areas of the skin.The extract of Sedum L. has served as the foundation for the production of a biostimulating drug known as "Biosed."Belarusian residents have also recognized the healing properties of Sedum L.: Sedum tea is consumed to address cardiovascular diseases, hepatitis, and skin ailments.An ointment composed of dried plant materials, camphor, and lard is suitable for treating intermittent fever and tumors [16].Hungarians utilize Sedum L. externally to manage thyroid disorders.Oriental medicine practitioners believe that Sedum L., with medicinal properties resembling those of cinchona, may possess antimalarial effects [17].In Bulgaria, traditional healers use the plant as a pain reliever for hemorrhoids, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, and scurvy, and apply it externally as a poultice for neoplasms [18].Regarding contraindications and side effects, the use of Sedum L. is not recommended for individuals with hypertension or increased nervous excitability, during pregnancy, or while lactating.Treatment with Sedum L. is also contraindicated in children in Kazakhstan.
Overdosing on this plant may result in vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, disruptions in cardiovascular functioning, and difficulty breathing.When using Sedum L. externally, caution is advised as fresh plant sap can cause local irritation, burns, and blisters on healthy skin [19].
Numerous chronic diseases are linked to oxidative stress, which is caused by an imbalance between the body's capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their generation, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer.Consequently, the search for natural sources of antioxidants has become a subject of intense research interest.Simultaneously, the membrane-stabilizing properties of bioactive compounds have gained prominence for their ability to protect cell membranes from damage, thereby contributing to cellular health [20,21].
In this study, the chemical composition of the aerial parts of the plant S. ewersii (Figure 1), which grows wild in Kazakhstan and is used in folk medicine, was studied for the first time. of Sedum L.: Sedum tea is consumed to address cardiovascular diseases, hepatitis, and skin ailments.An ointment composed of dried plant materials, camphor, and lard is suitable for treating intermittent fever and tumors [16].Hungarians utilize Sedum L. externally to manage thyroid disorders.Oriental medicine practitioners believe that Sedum L., with medicinal properties resembling those of cinchona, may possess antimalarial effects [17].In Bulgaria, traditional healers use the plant as a pain reliever for hemorrhoids, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, and scurvy, and apply it externally as a poultice for neoplasms [18].Regarding contraindications and side effects, the use of Sedum L. is not recommended for individuals with hypertension or increased nervous excitability, during pregnancy, or while lactating.Treatment with Sedum L. is also contraindicated in children in Kazakhstan.Overdosing on this plant may result in vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, disruptions in cardiovascular functioning, and difficulty breathing.When using Sedum L. externally, caution is advised as fresh plant sap can cause local irritation, burns, and blisters on healthy skin [19].
Numerous chronic diseases are linked to oxidative stress, which is caused by an imbalance between the body's capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their generation, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer.Consequently, the search for natural sources of antioxidants has become a subject of intense research interest.Simultaneously, the membrane-stabilizing properties of bioactive compounds have gained prominence for their ability to protect cell membranes from damage, thereby contributing to cellular health [20,21].
In this study, the chemical composition of the aerial parts of the plant S. ewersii (Figure 1), which grows wild in Kazakhstan and is used in folk medicine, was studied for the first time.

Plant Material
The aerial parts of S. ewersii at full flowering stage were collected in May 2023 in the Almaty region.A voucher specimen (Number E-2333) was identified by Prof. A. Ametov, Biodiversity and Bioresources Department, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Kazakhstan).Plant materials were air-dried at room temperature for later analysis.

Preparation of Plant Extracts
Fresh samples (50 g) were cut and ground in a Waring blender and then subjected to hydrodistillation for 3 h using distilled water (≈100 g), according to the standard procedure described in the European Pharmacopoeia (2020) [22].Hydrodistillation is a widely accepted method for extracting volatile compounds; however, the identification of these compounds is tentative pending further confirmation using additional analytical techniques or standards.Quantification of volatile compounds was performed by integrating peak areas obtained from gas chromatography analysis.Each analysis was conducted in triplicate for robustness and to ensure the reliability of the results.The EOs (essential oils) were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and stored in sealed vials under N 2, at −20 • C, ready for the GC and GC-MS analyses; the samples yielded 0.04% of EO (w/w).

GC-MS Analyses
Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (7890A/5975C).Sample volume was 0.5 µL and sample injection temperature was 250 • C, without flow splitting.Separation was carried out using a DB-WAXetr chromatographic capillary column with a length of 30 m, an internal diameter of 0.25 mm, and a film thickness of 0.25 µm at a constant carrier gas (helium) rate of 1 mL/min.The chromatography temperature was programmed from 40 • C with a heating rate of 5 • C/min to 260 • C (holding time 5 min).Analysis time was 49 min.Detection was carried out in SCAN mode m/z 34-850.HP-Chemstation software (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) was used to control the gas chromatography system and record and process the results, and data were obtained.Data processing included determination of retention times and peak areas, as well as processing of spectral information obtained using a mass spectrometric detector.To interpret the obtained mass spectra, the Wiley 7th edition and NIST'02 libraries were used (the total number of spectra in the libraries is more than 550 thousand).
Ethyl β-d-riboside (ranging from 0.98% to 2.12%) and Phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy-(ranging from 0.45% to 1.19%) were identified in all parts of S. ewersii.Ethyl β-d-riboside, a derivative of ribose, a type of sugar molecule, may exert various pharmacological effects depending on its metabolism and interactions within the body [54].Ribose derivatives are sometimes investigated for their potential applications in nucleoside synthesis or as pharmaceutical intermediates [55].Phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy-, a derivative of phenol, a widely studied chemical compound with diverse pharmacological properties, may have altered biological activity due to the addition of methoxy groups at positions 2 and 6 of the phenol ring [56].Phenolic compounds, including methoxyphenols, are recognized for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potentially anti-inflammatory properties [52].However, the specific pharmacological effects of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol would depend on factors such as concentration, route of administration, and target biological systems.
Monoterpenes were abundant across the plant parts, with distinct compositions: the root (underground part) contained 28.58% aliphatic monoterpenes, 54.41% oxygenated monoterpenoids, 1.42% diterpenoids, and 15.59% other compounds; the root (aerial part) exhibited 1.34% aliphatic monoterpenes, 31.28%oxygenated monoterpenoids, 6.16% diterpenoids, and 61.22% other compounds; the stem and leaves showed 3.06% aliphatic monoterpenes, 21.49% oxygenated monoterpenoids, 17.99% diterpenoids, and 57.46% other compounds; and the flowering aerial part displayed 8.20% aliphatic monoterpenes, 53.18% oxygenated monoterpenoids, 23.75% diterpenoids, and 14.87% other compounds.Diterpenes, notably Phytol, were prominently present in the leaf, stem, and flowering aerial parts.Additionally, a diverse array of organic acids, ketones, and phenolic compounds were identified, each potentially offering distinct pharmacological benefits.In the study of biologically active substances in medicinal plants, it is crucial to initially investigate their growth environment, populations, raw materials, and the environmental and anthropogenic factors that impact them [57][58][59].Moreover, factors such as the cultivation methods of medicinal plants, the required soil conditions, biohumus, and phytohormones should also be considered [60][61][62].This study underscores the pharmacological diversity of S. ewersii and suggests its potential applications in the pharmaceutical and medicinal fields [63], highlighting the need for further research to elucidate the specific and combined pharmacological effects of these compounds.

Conclusions
The volatile compound composition and medicinal potential of S. ewersii, growing wild in Kazakhstan, were explored through hydrodistillation of various plant parts, including its flowering aerial parts, root (underground part), root (aerial part), and stem + leaves.Analysis revealed the presence of 71 compounds, as detailed in Table 1.Notably, the root (underground part) yielded 40 compounds, the root (aerial part) yielded 41 compounds, the leaf and stem yielded 41 compounds, and the flowering aerial part yielded 31 compounds.Among these, ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside emerged as the predominant biologically active substance across all four plant parts, constituting 28.79%, 20.36%, 12.95%, and 22.04% in the root (underground part), root (aerial part), leaf and stem, and flowering aerial part, respectively.This compound, also referred to as α-EG, is commonly found in sake (Japanese rice wine) and is recognized for its moisturizing and skin conditioning effects.Ethyl α-D-glucopyranoside emerged as the predominant biologically active compound, found consistently across all plant parts.Monoterpenes, a class of secondary metabolites known for their diverse pharmacological properties, were abundant, with compounds such as (-)-cis-Myrtanol, geraniol, and (-)-cyclopropyl carbinol identified.Diterpenes, categorized based on their skeletal core, were also detected, with Phytol notably present in the leaf and stem as well as the flowering aerial part.Organic acids, ketones, and other chemical compounds were found in varying amounts across different plant parts, each potentially offering unique pharmacological properties.
The primary class of secondary metabolites identified in S. ewersii is monoterpenes, which encompass hydrocarbons frequently present in essential oils.These findings contribute to our understanding of the chemical composition and potential therapeutic properties of S. ewersii, laying a foundation for further research into its pharmacological applications and medicinal uses.