Comparative phytochemical study on Veronica officinalis L. and Veronica chamaedrys L

Criteria to avoid the substitution of Veronica officinalis L. (common speedwell) with other species of the genus Veronica (Plantaginaceae sensu APG 2003, formely Scrophulariaceae) are urgently needed [1], especially Veronica chamaedrys L. (germander speedwell), widely spread and without therapeutic action. We have studied the differenzial phytochemical characters, for the two species regarding the iridoids and polyfenolic compounds content. In these species we have determined the aucubin and catalpol content by using a HPLC analysis with mass spectrometry detection. The content of aucubin is 107.4µg% for V. officinalis and 328.6µg% for V. chamaedrys The content of catalpol is 232.2µg% for V. officinalis and 144.4µg% for V. chamaedrys [2]. The polyphenolic compounds were determined in the two species before and after acid hydrolysis. The identification of these compounds was achieved through a HPLC analysis with mass spectrometric detection, by comparison with 18 polyphenol standards. The quantitative analysis of the polyphenols, based on UV detection, was performed using an external standard method [3]. The most significant difference between the two species is in the qualitative and quantitative content of polyfenolic compounds and it can be a criteria to phytochemical differentiation of V. officinalis and V. chamaedrys

Acknowledgement: This work was supported by the grant PN II 32151/2008 financed by MECI Romania

References: [1] APG (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group). An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG II (2003) Bot J Linn Soc, 141: 399–436

[2] Crişan Get al. (2010) Farmacia 58(2): 237–242

[3] Crisan G, Vlase L, Balica G, Crisan O (2009)., Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iaşi 113(2): Supliment nr. 4, 81–85