Vol. 2, Issue 6 (2013)

Author(s):
Olena I. Golembiovska*, Alexandr A. Tsurkan

Abstract:
By the method of microscopy, thin-layer chromatography, UV/VIS spectrophotometry and HPLC the quality composition and quantitative maintenance of anthocyanins of above-ground and underground organs of common self-heal (Prunella vulgaris L.) were established. The highest amount of anthocyanins was found in prunella inflorescences (spikes) and the lowest one – in leaves. The histochemical studies of Prunella vulgaris L. fresh inflorescences cup and bracts transverse sections found that cups accumulate anthocyanins and permeated by vascular passages. The results of spectrophotometric pH differential assay showed the highest monomeric anthocyanin pigment concentration, as paeonidin-3-glucoside, color density and percent of polymeric color for self-heal inflorescences. Chromatographic analysis has shown a large difference between qualitative and quantitative composition in different parts of self-heal. Paeonidin and cyanidin glycosides were the major anthocyanin derivatives identified in spikes and stems of self-heal, especially the 3-O-glucosides and 3-O-rutinoside. The most representative anthocyanin in prunella roots were delphinidin-3-O-galactoside. This is the first study regarding anthocyanin composition inPrunella vulgaris L.