Carotenoid content in certain wild edible plants growing in the Lori Region of Armenia

Vanadzor State University named after Hovhannes Tumanyan, 36, Tigran Mets Ave., 2021 Vanadzor, Republic of Armenia

^* Corresponding author: zaruhy.vartanyan@mail.ru

Abstract

The formation of pigments in plant tissues, including carotenoids, has been one of the most significant aromorphoses in the history of the origin of organic nature, a supreme result of chemical and then biological evolution. The carotenoids are synthesized in all photosynthetic organisms, some non-photosynthetic organisms. The scientific studies have shown that carotenoids contribute to the prevention of the development of various diseases in the human body. From both a scientific and practical perspective, studies that focus on determining the quantity of carotenoids in certain wild edible plants are highly valuable. It was conducted a study on the carotenoid in the leaves and stems of certain wild edible ten plants growing in the natural environment around the cities of Vanadzor and Stepanavan in the Lori region in Armenia. The differences content of carotenoid distribution between stems and leaves are likely influenced by environmental factots (for example- climate, soil conditions) in Vanadzor and Stepanavan. This analysis can guide both agricultural practices and health-oriented food production.