Quantitative content of flavonoids in plant samples from the Crimean population of oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Abstract

The aim of the research was to analyze the quantitative content of flavonoids in raw oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) from indigenous flora from different geographical locations of the Crimean peninsula. The objectives of the research included: the selection of promising samples for breeding, conclusion on the potential use of raw materials collected from regional indigenous populations for medical purposes. It was found that the raw oregano material in most cases did not conform to the requirements of the pharmacopoeial monograph RF XIV in terms of the total flavonoids content equivalent to luteolin and can not be recommended for use as an official raw material. The total content of flavonoids in herbal raw materials varied from 0.40 to 1.05% with an average value of 0.69%. Only three of the tested samples exceeded the threshold of 0.80%, with 0.81–1.05% value, one sample had this index at the level of the lower threshold, 0.80%. No high-flavonoid samples that would be valuable as donors of this trait for breeding varieties of medicinal direction have been identified. The conclusion was made that it is advisable to grow high-flavonoid varieties specially created for this purpose instead of collecting oregano herbal materials in their natural habitat.