Physico-chemical analysis of flowers and sloes of blackthorn – the shrub from which the name of the town of Tarnow originates

Abstract

The study analyzed the shrub, from which the city of Tarnow probably derives its name. Flowers and fruits of sloes have been known for years for their medicinal properties. They are characterized by high pharmacological activity, due to the richness of biologically active compounds. Drinks, solution, and teas have long been used to alleviate many ailments. Thus, the physico-chemical analysis of blackthorn, both intenflowers (dried) and fruit (fresh and dried), was based on the content of components relevant to human health. Tarninówka tea, composed mainly of sloes, was also analyzed. The detailed objective was to examine the content of vitamin C and compare its amount in the infusion of dried sloe blossom, “compote”, in frozen fruit and “Tarninówka” tea. Additionally, in the flowers, fruits and “Tarninówka” tea also included anthocyanins, tannins and oxalates. The content of all analyzed factors is extremely important for the health of the consumer. However, anthocyanins and tannins have pro-health properties. Oxalates, however, are anti-nutrition, that is, they have a negative impact on human health. The latter was indicated in “Tarninówka” tea while checking whether the time and method of brewing tea can affect the final content of oxalate in the consumed beverage. The analyses used titrimetric methods (iodometry and Tillman’s method) as well as spectroscopic methods (UV VIS and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy).