The accumulation dynamic of polyphenolic compounds in Physalis alkekengi L.

Abstract

Introduction. Physalis (Physalis alkekengi), herbaceous perennial plant, which is composed of a big number of biologically active substances: polyphenols, tannins, bitter substance – physalin, flavonoids, saponins, ethers, steroids, tannins, vitamins: А, С, В1, В2, В6, В12, alkaloids (solanine, scopoletin). Lycopene (carotinoid) substance is giving a vivid coloration to its fruits. Physalis edible breeds have been used both in cooking and in medicine. Just a few therapeutic benefits can be detached from a huge variety. Therefore, its antioxidant effect for medicine, is achieved through the presence polyphenolic compounds in the plant. Plant extracts have a marked antimicrobial action. The extract of the flower cups is used as an anaesthetic and anaplerotic solution. Physalis berries are able to eliminate urates from the body, have diuretiver, hemostatic, inflammatory and choler tic action. The plant can be used as multi-vitamin product, favorably influencing the immune system. Green fruits are toxic, because of high concentration of alkaloids.

Matrials and methods. The aim of the study was to identify biologically active substances - polyphenols, responsible for antioxidant action of this plant, through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Leaves were used as a plant material collected in the center of cultivation of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “N. Testimiteanu”, in the period of May – September, and dried in accordance with the Pharmacopeia rules.

Discussion results. Direct spectrophotometry was used for the quantitative determination of the amount of the phenolic compounds in this study, based on the measurement of the optical density of colored reaction products resulting from oxidation. Among the existing analytical methods for determining phenols on the basis of oxidation-reduction reaction is the method of Folin – Denis FD, with the use of gallic acid as a standard. The FD method is based on the formation of oxidation products of the phenylic compounds by wolfram acid in an alkaline environment, created by the saturated solution of sodium carbonate. In order to speed up the process of oxidation – restoration the water was heated at 80 o C for 30 minutes (according to G. I. Mechnikova chemical-pharmaceutical magazine, vol. No 4, No 2, 2007).

Conclusion. Polyphenols are active principles, responsible for antioxidant effect with a wide spectrum of use.

The total amount of the polyphenolic compounds, containing in percent in leaves, shows the following accumulation dynamic: 12,77% - May, 13,12% - June, 13,15% - July, 15,05% - August and 13,73% - September. The maximum percentage of the polyphenolic compounds have been determined in August.