Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg is native to Europe and widely distributed in the warmer temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Phenolic acids and flavonoids are abundant in all parts of the plant. These compounds are characterized by antioxidant activities, which result in diverse biological effects. Dandelion leaves and flowers have antipyretic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, spasmolytic, anti-allergic, cholagogue, choleretic effects, improve digestion, pancreas, liver and kidney function, regulate metabolism [1].Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in dandelion and setting of antioxidant activity is important to assess the quality of raw materials and its pharmacological potency. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic and antioxidant activity variation in Lithuania naturally growing common dandelion leaves and flowers during the growing season. Radical scavenging and reducing activities were evaluated using ABTS and CuPRAC methods, respectively. Phenolic composition was determined using HPLC-PDA. The content of phenolics in leaves and flowers and anti-oxidant activity of extracts vary significantly during their growing season (p<0.05). Greatest radical scavenging and reducing activities were determined in the leaf extracts, 449,36 ± 7,49 µmol/g and 1003,92 ± 4,37 µmol/g, respectively. Identified phenolic compounds complex in leaves and flowers of dandelion was comprised of cichoric, chlorogenic, caftaric acids, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. Cichoric acid was determined as the predominant compound in all plant parts: in the leaves– 82,82 mg/g and in the flowers– 19,24 mg/g. In the middle of June dandelion leaves contain the greatest amounts of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.
References: 1. Gonzalez-Castejon M et al., (2012) Nutr Rev 70:534-547.
Keywords: Taraxacum officinale, cichoric acid, HPLC, ABTS, CuPRAC.