Hazel leaves (Corylus avellana L.): identification of authenticity characteristics

Introduction. Hazel leaves in traditional Russian and world medicine are used in urological and proctological practice as an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. The lack of proper regulatory documentation does not allow, despite the use of hazel leaves for the treatment and prevention of certain diseases, to include this raw material in the register of medicines of official medicine.

Aim. To establish criteria for the authenticity of hazel leaves growing in the European part of the Russian Federation in accordance with the modern requirements of the Russian Federation State Pharmacopoeia.

Materials and methods. The object of the study was hazel leaves harvested in the Moscow region (Dmitrovsky district, village of Rogachevo) in July 2024. The study of macro- and microscopic signs was carried out in accordance with the requirements of GPMs of Russian State Pharmacopoeia XV "Leaves" and "Technique of microscopic and microchemical examination of medicinal plant raw materials and preparations of plant origin". The composition of BAS was studied by chromatography in a thin layer of sorbent (TLC).

Results and discussion. Macro- and microdiagnostic signs of hazel leaves have been identified, which allow the identification of raw materials: rounded or ovoid shape of the leaf plate, bicuspid edge, anomocytic type of stomatal apparatus, petiole size, the presence of two types of simple and glabrous hairs, calcium oxalate druses in the mesophyll. The composition of biologically active compounds of hazel leaves has been studied. Organic acids (ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid) and phenolic compounds (rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, and tannin) were found.

Conclusion. The results of studies to determine the macroscopic, microscopic and chemical characteristics of the authenticity of hazel leaves (Corylus avellana L.) growing in the European part of the Russian Federation are presented.

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