The new source of biologically active substances – Barbarea vulgaris W.T. Aiton

The aboveground parts of Barbarea vulgaris W.T.Aiton (Brassicaceae) werecollected in the Akmola region of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2009.

By means of spectrophotometric method the quantitative content of biologically active substances in the leaves, flowers and stems were determined: flavonoids (0,70%, 2,25%, and 0%) [5], carbohydrates (3.60%, 1.01%, and 0.36%) [3] and tannins (2.03%, 2.06%, and 0.08%); by method of titrimetry- organic acids (2.59%, 3.16%, and 0.58%) [2,4].

Determination of the mineral composition of ash from above-ground parts of plant was determined by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. There was found 31 elements in samples under analysis. As a result it was found that the plant is prone to the accumulation of such elements as iron (24,25*10–4%), silicium (8,99*10–4%), calcium (0,07%), potassium (0,14%), strontium (7,7*10–4%), magnesium (0,015%), sodium (0,014%), aluminum (9,94*10–4%) – the given elements contained in the most concentration in the plant.

A separation scheme was developed for the study of flowers. Water-alcohol extract was concentrated to a complete removal of ethanol. The resulting aqueous extract was separated from the sediment and then the liquor was exhaustively extracted with ethyl acetate. The separated sediment was processed with petroleum ether, benzene, ethanol, aqueous alcohol, water coherently [1]. Quercetin was identified in the ethyl acetate extract while rutin was found in the alcohol extract.

References: 1. Fedoseeva L et al. (2005) Chem Plant Substances 3: 45–50.

2. State Pharmacopeia USSR (1990) 11:296–297.

3. Zaprometov M et al. (2003) BiochemCcarbohydrates 1:324–326.

4. Grinkevich N et al. (1983) Chem Anal Med Plants 1: 87–118.

5. Khaled A et al. (2004) Quantitative Content of Flavonoids 1: 356–358.