Chemical composition of bird cherry bark (Padus avium Mill.)

Introduction. In official medicine, the fruits of bird cherry (Padus avium Mill.) are used in the form of a decoction, which have an astringent effect due to the presence of tannins. The study of other non-pharmacopoeial parts of medicinal plants is relevant today. Modern pharmaceutical practice is aimed at conducting scientific research on the search for new types of plant raw materials. In this case, it is interesting to study the bark of the bird cherry as a promising medicinal plant raw material.

Aim. To study the composition and quantify the content of biologically active substances (BAS) in bird cherry bark.

Materials and methods. The bark of the bird cherry, collected during the sap flow and dried in a natural way, was chosen as the object of the study. The qualitative composition of BAS was studied by chemical reactions, as well as by chromatography in a thin layer of sorbent (TLC). Titrimetric methods and capillary electrophoresis were chosen to assess the content of BAS.

Results and discussion. Tannin, gallic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid, and malic acid have been identified in the bark of the bird cherry. No flavonoids were detected. In the course of the work, a quantitative analysis of ascorbic acid (0,40 ± 0,04 %), tannins (7,80 ± 0,03 %), organic acids (7,40 ± 0,04 %) and water-soluble vitamins (C and group B) was carried out, the total content of which was 0,533 %.

Conclusion. The content of biologically active substances in bird cherry bark has been studied. The highest amount of tannins and organic acids was found in the raw materials. Due to its chemical composition, bird cherry bark can be used as a source of biologically active compounds in official medicine.

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