The optical properties of hawthorn’s extracts

Abstract

Objective : The study objective is to analyze optic properties and components of extracts from the fruits of hawthorn ( Crataegus pinnatifida ) compared with other species and the assessment of the possibility of using numerical indicators of absorption spectra as herbal medicinal products tests. Methods : We used extracts from flowers and fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida , Crataegus sanguinea and Crataegus maximowiczii . Carotenoids, the content and stability of anthocyanins were determined spectrophotometrically, and the results were statistically processed using the small sample technique. Extracts prepared under various conditions were compared by numerical indicators of the absorption spectra using the nonparametric Z-sign test. Results : Crataegus pinnatifida significantly exceeds Crataegus sanguinea in anthocyanins concentration and stability, and coincides with it in carotenoids concentration. Variations in the extraction conditions are accompanied by changes in the numerical indicators of the absorption spectra. Conclusions : The presented data gives reason to consider Crataegus pinnatifida growing in Primorskiy territory to be a promising raw material for herbal medicinal products production. The set of numerical indicators of the absorption spectra can be used as tests of extracts from plants.