Study of immortelle (Helichrysum bracteatum) fatty acids

Abstract

Topicality. It is very important to use raw materials for the development and production of medicines and dietary supplements. Recently there has been a persistent tendency to increase the demand for medicinal plant, that’s why, the increase of plant-based medications in pharmaceutical industry is an important direction of scientific research.

Aim. To study the qualitative composition and content of fatty acids using chromatographic methods in herbal drugs of immortelle (Helichrysum braceatum).

Materials and methods. Raw materials of immortelle were used for the study. To study the qualitative composition and content of fatty acids, the gas chromatography method with a mass spectrometric detector (GC/MS) was applied.

Results and discussion. As a result of the study, 8 fatty acids were detected in flowers, among them 2 unsaturated and 6 saturated. In the herb were found 11 fatty acids among which 3 unsaturated and 8 saturated. In flowers, fatty acids are found in significant amounts: unsaturated – linoleic (4.10 mg/g) and α-linolenic acid (2.07 mg/g), saturated fatty acids – palmitic acid (3.32 mg/g). In the herb in large quantities, these acids are also represented, but in other amounts, respectively: palmitic acid (3.61 mg/g), linoleic (2.85 mg/g) and α-linolenic acid (2.23 mg/g). Other identified fatty acids occur significantly less.

Conclusions. At the first time, the qualitative composition and content of fatty acids were determined by chromatographic methods in herbal drugs (herb and flowers) of immortelle (Helichrysum braceatum). In flowers and herb there are significant amounts of palmitic, linoleic, α-linolenic acid, as well as other fatty acids. Such way a rich content of fatty acids will determine high biological activity and this plant can be considered as promising for creating medicines.