Influence of Agronomic Practices on the Antioxidant Activity of Three Mediterranean Official Wild Plants: _Sillybum marianum_, _Achillea millefolium_, and _Trifolium pratense_  
[PERSON]  
1 Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, [PERSON] 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (A.T.); [PERSON] (M.P. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (G.S.) [PERSON]  
2 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Guigno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; 2  
[PERSON]  
3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (D.B. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.V. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (R.S.) Mera Vraf  
3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (D.B. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.V. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (R.S.) [PERSON]  
2 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Guigno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; 2  
[PERSON]  
3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (D.B. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.V. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (R.S.) Mera Vraf  
3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (D.B. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.V. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (R.S.) [PERSON]  
2 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Guigno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy; 2  
[PERSON]  
3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (D.B. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.V. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (R.S.) [PERSON]  
3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (D.  
and the accumulation of secondary metabolites, which are critical for the antioxidant properties of herbal extracts due to their pharmaceutical and nutraceuticalal importance [5]. The literature suggests that fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, plays a crucial role in influencing both crop yield and quality. For example, increasing soil potassium levels has been linked to a higher concentration of phenolic compounds, which contribute to the antioxidant activity of medicinal plants [6]. Similarly, manipulating nitrogen fertilization during plant growth significantly impacts phenolic compound production [7]. Some studies propose a \"physiological trade-off\" between plant growth and secondary metabolite synthesis, indicating that, phenolic concentrations tend to increase when nutrient availability is limited, particularly under lower nitrogen treatments [8; 9]. Assessing the antioxidant capacity of plant extracts is key to understanding their health benefits [10; 11; 12]. Antioxidants act through various mechanisms, such as radical scavenging, metal ion chelation, and electron transfer. Since compounds may perform differently across assays due to varying conditions, using multiple assays offers a more thorough evaluation [10; 11; 12; 13; 14]. This approach also improves data reliability and strengthens conclusions about antioxidant health benefits. Three common methods for measuring antioxidant capacity are the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPPH), and 2,2\({}^{\prime}\)-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Each assay has unique advantages and limitations, providing complementary insights into the antioxidant properties of plant extracts. Using multiple assays also enables cross-validation of results, reinforcing hypotheses about plant extracts' efficacy and health benefits. Different compounds respond uniquely depending on their structural characteristics. For instance, FRAP favors phenolic compounds and metal chelators, while DPPH is more sensitive to electron-donating compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids. The ABTS assay accommodates a broader range of antioxidants, including phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamins.