Local Endemic Cirsium boluense: Antimutagenic, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities and Phenolic Profiles of Plant Parts.

Cirsium boluense P.H.Davis & Parris (Kartal Kangalı) is a local endemic species in Bolu, Türkiye. Members of the Cirsium genus have long been used for cancer, bronchitis, and cough in Anatolia. This study investigated the antimutagenic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of methanol extracts obtained from 1st year (leaf and root) and 2nd year (capitulum, stem, leaf, and root) plant materials, along with total phenolic-flavonoid levels and LC-MS/MS profiles. Roots from both growth stages and 2nd year leaves demonstrated the most effective antimutagenic activity, which may be relevant to traditional uses associated with cancer prevention. The 2nd year leaf had the strongest free radical scavenging activity, followed by the capitulum. Leaves showed the highest phenolic-flavonoid content overall. Five bacterial strains were inhibited, with the capitulum showing the most notable antibacterial effect. LC-MS/MS analysis identified apigenin, chlorogenic acid, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (cynarin), and luteolin as major phenolics in capitulum and leaves. The findings validate traditional medicinal uses and indicate significant pharmacological and nutraceutical potential for C. boluense.