Alterations in mineral and biochemical traits of Artemisia haussknechtii Boiss. populations by soil and environmental factors.

Artemisia haussknechtii, a native Iranian plant prized for its nutritional and ethnopharmacological benefits, was systematically evaluated across diverse environmental conditions in Iran. The findings highlight its significance as a rich source of essential minerals, with calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and iron (Fe) levels spanning 16,850-24,060, 2509-4389, 6920-9250, and 1027-1469 mg/kg, respectively. The populations exhibited varying contents of total anthocyanin (TA), total flavonoid (TFC), and total phenolic (TPC), ranging from 5.60-10.42 Mmol/g FW, 10.87-17.89 mg QE/g DW, to 31.37-39.41 mg GAE/g DW. Factor analysis elucidated distinct diversity among populations, categorizing them into three groups. The first group, thriving in higher temperatures with minimal amounts of humidity and rainfall, displayed lower TPC, TFC, and TA along with elevated manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels. The second group, occupying habitats with increased altitude and rainfall but reduced temperature, showcased maximal amounts of nitrogen (N), K, phosphorus (P), TA, TFC, and TPC, and minimal amounts of Cu, Mn, and Ca. The third group, found in regions marked by higher humidity, more sunshine hours, and higher soil CaCO3 levels, exhibited peak Ca, Mg, and Fe levels. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) corroborated these classifications, underscoring the impact of environmental conditions on A. haussknechtii's mineral and biochemical composition. These findings highlight the significance of the mineral and antioxidant compounds in this plant species and their relationship to environmental and genetic factors. This suggests its potential as a food supplement in the pharmaceutical and food industries, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.