Planta Med 2010; 76 - P554
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264852

Quantitative analysis of isoflavones in 11 Trifolium spec. from Turkish flora and in some commercially available Trifolium products

G Gürhan 1, F Yalçin 2, E Nemutlu 3, H Ina 4, T Ersöz 5, I Çalis 5
  • 1Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dept. of Pharmacognosy, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
  • 2Hacettepe University, Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dept. of Pharmacognosy Sihhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
  • 3Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dept. of Analitical Chemistry, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
  • 4School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science 1432–1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0392, Japan, 192–0392, Tokyo, Japan
  • 5Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dept. of Pharmacognosy, 06100 Ankara, Turkey

The genus Trifolium is represented by 96 species in Turkish Flora [1]. Among these species Trifolium pratense L. is marketed for use in alleviating menopausal symptoms. T. pratense contains the isoflavones, daidzein, formononetin, biochanin A, and genistein. It has been shown that the isoflavonoids lower the cholesterol level, play a role in prevention and medication of some cancer types and help to reduce menopausal symptoms [2–5]. The purpose of this study was to quantify four isoflavones in the 11 Trifolium spec. collected from nature and in some herbal products to determine which sample contains the highest isoflavone amount. A rapid HPLC-DAD method used for determination of isoflavonoids [6]. The method was validated according to the guidelines. T. canescens and T. triocephalum were found as the samples contain higher isoflavonoid amount than T. pratense [Fig.1].

Fig.1: HPLC Chromatogram of T. canescens

References: 1. Zohary, M. 1970. Trifolium L. In P.H. Davis (Ed) Flora of Turkey and the East Aegan Islands, Edinburg University Press. Vol.3, p.412–413.

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5. Nestel, P., Cehun, M., Chronopoulos, A., DaSilva, L., Teede, H., McGrath B. (2004) Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 48 403–408.

6. Krenn, L., Unterrieder, I., Ruprechter, R. (2002). Journal of Chromatography B 25, 123–128.