Comparative analysis of polyphenols and flavonoids in natural populations of Crataegus monogyna from Eastern Carpathians

Our aim was to obtain and compare, quantitatively and qualitatively, the polyphenols and flavonoids from six natural populations of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. harvested from the spontaneous flora of Eastern Carpathians. The Crataegi fructus and Crataegi folium cum flore samples were collected from Neamt County -Cernegura Hill (no. 1), Batca Doamnei (no. 2), Cheile Bicazului (no. 6) and other three from Harghita County – Praid area (no. 3, 4, 5). The qualitative analysis of polyphenols and flavonoids was performed by TLC and HPLC. The quantitative analysis was performed by UV/VIS spectrophotometry [1] (rutoside for flovonoids and chlorogenic acid for polyphenols).

TLC analysis of Crataegi fructus samples has revealed four polyphenols (chlorogenic and caffeic acids and two caffeic compounds) and two flavonoids (hyperoside and vitexine). TLC analysis of Crataegi folium cum flore samples has revealed two polyphenols (chlorogenic and caffeic acids) and three flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside and a 6-O-glycoside of luteolin). Sample no. 6 seems to contain also vitexine. The HPLC analysis of an additional Crataegi folium cum flore harvested from Piatra Neamt has revealed UV spectra of the main seven compounds (the chlorogenic acid was identified). The spectrophotometric quatification of flavonoids from Crataegi folium cum flore samples has detected a higher content (1.0175% –1.9175%) then the one detected in fruit samples (0.1218% –0.2801%). The quantification of polyphenols from Crataegi fructus has identified high amounts (2.11% –2.70%). When the total quantity of polyphenols was compared (flowers, leaves and fruits) the most valuable populations were samples no. 3 and 4.

References: [1] Farmacopeea Romana (1998) Xth Edition, Editura Medicala, Bucharest, 325–327.