Assessment of the content of biologically active substances in Hypericum perforatum along an altitude gradient

Abstract

An assessment of the content of flavonoids in the herb St. John’s wort, selected in natural phytocoenosis along an altitudinal gradient, is presented. We used generally accepted methods described in the relevant manuals when conducting research. The material for the study was air-dried samples of the aerial parts of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) collected at different altitudes. The features of the accumulation of flavonoids (leucoanthocyanins, catechins, flavonols) and the amount of anthracene derivatives in the herb St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) in the phase of mass flowering along an altitudinal gradient were studied. It has been shown that an increased level of anthracene derivatives (in terms of hypericin) is observed at altitudes of 615 - 716 m above sea level. The amount of anthracene derivatives (in terms of hypericin) significantly decreases along the altitudinal gradient. The content of catechins in samples taken along the altitudinal gradient varies within 0.17 - 0.36 mg%. It has been established that plants selected at different altitudes from 615 to 2025 m above sea level are characterized by other content of flavonoids. The samples in the altitude range 615 - 716 m above sea level have the maximum content. The plants selected in the vicinity of the village had the best characteristics for the accumulation of the mass fraction of flavonols. Makhchesk, Irafsky district of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania, in coenopopulations of a cereal-forb meadow at 1340 m above sea level. Thickets of Hypericum perforatum are found on slopes of southern and southeastern exposure.