PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF SISTANCHE SPECIES DISTRIBUTED IN THE DESERT ZONES OF THE KHOREZM REGION

Abstrak

This study investigates the physiological and biochemical characteristics of Sistanche species naturally distributed in the desert zones of the Khorezm region. The plant, known for its parasitic lifestyle and its association with desert hosts such as Haloxylon, Tamarix, and Atriplex, demonstrates remarkable tolerance to extreme aridity and high soil salinity. Field samples collected from various ecological habitats were analyzed for morphological traits, water-retention capacity, pigment composition, ion homeostasis, and key biochemical markers including proline, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. The findings reveal that Sistanche possesses a highly integrated system of stress adaptation involving osmotic regulation, selective ion management, and elevated synthesis of protective metabolites. This highlights the plant’s ecological resilience as well as its significant potential as a valuable source of medicinally important bioactive compounds