HPLC study of phenolic compounds in Mirabilis jalapa raw material

Abstract

Mirabilis jalapa is a popular decorative plant valued for its beautiful multicolored flowers. Folk medicine in various countries applies Mirabilis jalapa as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, spasmolytic drug. Chemical composition of different types of Mirabilis jalapa has not yet been adequately studied which is an obstacle for its application in medicine. The qualitative composition and quantitative content of phenolic compounds were studied by the HPLC method. The performed experiment revealed presence of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids and coumarins in tested herb. The content of phenolic compounds was the highest in Mirabilis jalapa flowers, counting as much as 2977.41 ± 59.55 µg/mg. Total content of phenolic compounds in Mirabilis jalapa herb was 304.25 ± 6.08 µg/mg, in fruits – 67.92 ± 1.36 µg/mg, and in roots – 12.44 ± 0.25 µg/mg. Quantitatively neochlorogenic acid dominated in flowers, chlorogenic acid in fruits, whereas Mirabilis jalapa herb mostly contained rutin and hyperoside. The obtained results will be useful in the development of quality control methods for Mirabilis jalapa herb and manufacture of drug preparations on its basis.