Determination of the total phenolic AND Total flavonoid contents IN CYNARA SCOLYMUS L. EXTRACTS

Abstract

Artichoke C. scolymus l. is a medicinal plant frequently used in folk and scientific medicine due to its therapeutic properties, including antioxidant effects, hepatoprotective ability and cholesterol-lowering effects. The aim of the work was to evaluate the morphoanatomical adaptations of the artichoke to the environmental conditions of the Republic of Moldova that differ from countries of plant origin. The morpho-anatomical investigations were effectuated on the artichokes grown in the Collection of Medicinal Plants of the Centre for the Cultivation of Medicinal plants of our University. Were carried out morpho-biometrical evaluation of the artichoke plants and anatomical study of their leaves. The morpho-biometrical evaluation of the artichoke was effectuated on more that 10 parameters: plant height, steam diameter, number of branches, foliar levels, number of leaves on a plant, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaf lobes, flower heads on a plant, flower heads on a branch, flower heads diameter, also leaf area was estimated. The statistic evaluation shown that the principle biometrical parameters are average plant height — 85,5 ± 5,2 cm foliar levels — 12,0 ± 0,8 number of leaves on a plant — 20,0 ± 1,1 average leaf area — 146,7 cm . Anatomical study of artichoke leaf elucidated specific anatomical structures: glandular and 2 types of covering trichomes on both epiderma, dorsoventral structure of mesophyll, anomocytic stomata, collateral vascular bundles and angular collenchyma. in conclusion the morpho-biometric results in correlation with anatomical data demonstrate that C.scolymus l. grow and develop well in the climatic conditions of Republic of Moldova and can be targeted for further phytochemical analysis. DETERMINATION OF THE TOTAL PHENOLIC AND TOTAL FLAVONOID CONTENTS IN CYNARA SCOLYMUS L. EXTRACTS