PHENOLIC ACIDS OF RHAPONTICUM CARTHAMOIDES

The relation between the age of plants and the accumulation of phenolic acids, as well as their composition in particular organs of Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin [Leuzea carthamoides D.C.] was investigated.
The content of phenolic acids in rhizomes was higher than in roots (1.40% and 0.85% respectively). The content of these compounds in basal leaves was higher than in stem leaves.
Underground organs and leaves were characterised by different compositions of phenolic acids.
The dominant compound in the fraction of free phenolic acids from underground organs (rhizomes and roots) appeared to be gentisic acid and in the fractions of bound acids – o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid.
The dominant compound in the fraction of free phenolic acids from basal leaves was protocatechuic acid.
The biggest share in the fraction of free phenolic acids from stem leaves had o-hydroxyphenylacetic and m-hydroxybenzoic acids.
It is worth stressing that both gentisic acid (present in underground organs) and protocatechuic acid (in leaves) are known to reveal an immunotropic activity.

International Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (Part II)

A. Skiba, Z. Weglarz

Leuzea carthamoides, age of plants, rhizomes, roots, leaves

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2003.597.15