Basic pharmacognostic research of Gentiana cruciata L. species from Bosnia and Herzegovina (W. Balkan)

Gentiana cruciata L. (Gentianaceae) is a widely distributed species in the area of Dinarides. [1]. It is used in traditional medicine in some mountainous areas of Bosnia [2]. As related species of Gentiana lutea L. is endangered, [3] similar uses of the other species of Gentiana in modern phytotherapy are investigated. Gentiana cruciata has such capabilities. As a precondition for its use, we planned to conduct basic botanical and pharmacognostic research. The material was sampled 2007at the mountains of Sarajevo (800 to 1500m). All studies were carried out in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia IV monograph.

The leaves have dorsi-ventral histological structure. Stomata indexes are 26.22. Type of stoma is anomocytic. Root has the primary and later secondary structure.

Use of spectrophotometric analysis and paper chromatography fortified the ratio between chlorophyll a and b 2:1.

Chlorophyll a is 0.6mg/g; chlorophyll b is 0.383mg/g and carotenoids 0.285mg/g. The proportion of plant pigments indicate the potential antioxydative activity of this plant.

The roots of this species has been prepared for chemical analyses. For the separation of metabolites was used thin layer chromatography method. Standard analysis showed the presence of sucrose and amarogentin. The method of micro-sublimation proved the presence of gentisin.

Preliminary and basic results suggest that the roots and aerial parts of Gentiana cruciatacould be a useful replacement for the very popular and highly endangered species Gentiana lutea L. subsp. symphyandra (Murb.) Hayek.

References: 1. Redzic S (2006) Proc. 1st IFOAM Intern. Conf. Organic Wild Production 117–141. 2. Redzic SS (2007) Coll Antropol 31: 869–890. 3. Redzic S et al. (2009) Planta Med 75: 902–902.