Amino Acid Profile and Content in Crude Herbal Drugs (Fruits) of Rosaceae Species

Abstract

Objective: Free and combined amino acids are important constituents of medicinal plants. The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the conservation method on amino acid composition and content of free and combined amino acids in Rosaceae fruits. Materials and methods: Fresh, dried, and frozen fruits of rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia L.), Siberian hawthorn (Crataegus sanguinea Pall.), and cinnamon rose (Rosa cinnamomea L.) were stored during fruit-bearing season in Botanical garden of Sechenov University. Amino acids were analysed by RP-HPLC-UV after pre-column derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (OPA) (derivatization of primary amines), or with fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC) (secondary amines). Results: the composition and the content of free and combined amino acids of Rosaceae fruits conserved by a few methods were studied. The effect of drying and freezing on the composition and content of amino acids in the rowan tree, Siberian hawthorn and cinnamon rose fruits was researched to determine the most appropriate way to preserve them. Conclusions: Drying can be recommended as the most appropriate conservation method to preserve amino acids content and composition in the rowan tree, Siberian hawthorn and cinnamon rose fruits.