Vol. 9, Issue 10, Part D (2025)

Salix species possess a significant nutraceutical potential due to their rich content of bioactive compounds which exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other health-promoting effects. The study examined the phytochemical composition of Salix alba and Salix fragilis across diverse habitats in the Kashmir Valley and assessed the impact of environmental factors such as climatic conditions and soil properties on these phytochemicals. Phytochemical screening revealed significant variations in phytochemical profiles between the two species, with Salix fragilis exhibiting a higher overall concentration of various compounds. Analysis of climate data such as maximum temperature (4.2°C to 31.9°C), minimum temperature (-4.6°C to 19.7°C), precipitation (0mm to 294.6 mm) and relative humidity (61.2 to 93%) indicated distinct seasonal patterns and significant inter-annual variations, suggesting their role in influencing plant stress responses and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Furthermore, habitat-specific differences were observed in soil properties, including available nitrogen (275 to 542.66 kg/ha), phosphorus (16.56 to 57.73 kg/ha), potassium (44.77 to 281.13 kg/ha), pH (5.55 to 7.45), and organic carbon content (1.57 to 2.52%). These heterogeneities in soil characteristics are posited to significantly impact plant growth, metabolism, and ultimately the biosynthesis and accumulation of specific phytochemicals. These findings highlight the influence of various environmental factors on plant secondary metabolism and suggest potential applications of these willow species as sources of bioactive compounds. The research provides a deeper understanding of the phytochemical diversity and ecological adaptations of Salix species in the Himalayan region. Furthermore, studies should be undertaken to identify and isolate the important compounds that possess anti-oxidant properties accountable for the observed indifferences between the different Salix species and across habitats. Also, research is necessary to study the influence of environmental stress (like heavy metal pollution) on the phytochemical composition and ecological functions of willows species.