Phytochemical Screening and Detection of Antibacterial Components from Crude Extracts of Some Armenian Herbs Using TLC-Bioautographic Technique.

The aim of the research was to explore qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents of different extracts from Agrimonia eupatoria L., Hypericum alpestre subsp. polygonifolium (Rupr.) Avet. & Takht., Rumex obtusifolius Willd and Sanguisorba officinalis L. and analyze their bioactive constituents using TLC-bioautography technique. In TLC analysis different solvent systems as mobile phases were used in order to make assumptions about the nature of active antibacterial compounds. The highest total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin content was detected in methanol extract of A. eupatoria (358.9 µg Gallic acid equivalent per mg dry weight), acetone extract of H. alpestre (216.75 µg Quercetin equivalent per mg dry weight) and acetone extract of R. obtusifolius (76.24 µg Catechin equivalent per mg dry weight), respectively. TLC-bioautography analysis using mobile phases with different polarity allowed to separate different bands from tested plants methanol and acetone extracts possessing antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus MDC 5233. Thus, it was revealed, that polar compounds could have considerable contribution to the antibacterial activity of acetone and methanol extracts of H. alpestre and R. obtusifolius. It was hypothesized, that complex compounds can be responsible for the antibacterial action of extracts of A. eupatoria and S. officinalis. Based on obtained data, A. eupatoria, H. alpestre, R. obtusifolius and S. officinalis plants can be recommended as sources of new antibacterial agents.

Biochemical Activity and Hypoglycemic Effects of Rumex obtusifolius L. Seeds Used in Armenian Traditional Medicine.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious chronic metabolic disorder. Various diseases are being treated with medicinal plants and that is because of the less side effects of the current therapy. The diversity of plants in Armenia is due to the singularity of natural environment. However, biochemical activity of these plants has not been studied well. Thus, the goal was to investigate biochemical activity and antihyperglycemic properties of Rumex obtusifolius L. in rabbits with hyperglycemia. The high content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins has been determined in this plant extract. Oral administration of ethanol extract showed significant effect on hyperglycemia, reducing fasting glucose levels (57.3%, p<0.05), improving glucose tolerance, and increasing liver glycogen content (1.5-fold, p<0.01) compared to the hyperglycemic control group. Furthermore, ethanol extract of R. obtusifolius reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and vice versa increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and also decreased liver enzymes levels (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) compared with untreated group. These findings suggest that R. obtusifolius may have beneficial effects and should be supplement, as herbal remedy in the treatment of DM.