Analysis of polar antioxidants in Heartsease (Viola tricolor L.) and Garden pansy (Viola x wittrockiana Gams.).

Heartsease (Viola tricolor L.) is a well-known medicinal plant. Its biological activities are supposed to be related to its antioxidant capacity. Garden pansies (Viola x wittrockiana Gams.) have been crossbred from heartsease and are applied as ornamental plants only. In this study, the mother and the daughter species are compared from a phytochemical point of view. Their flavonoid and anthocyanidin contents are determined by spectroscopic methods recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia 5.0. The compositions of the samples (heartsease and garden pansy varietas of several petal color) are analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and their antioxidant capacity is determined by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay. Our results suggest that garden pansy, especially its flower, is a promising source of natural antioxidants. In addition, a significant correlation is found between the flavonoid content and antioxidant activity.

Quantitative and qualitative investigation of the main flavonoids in heartsease (Viola tricolor L.).

Liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) is used for the analysis of flavonoids in heartsease (Viola tricolor L.). Our data suggested that the two main flavonoid components were violanthin (6-C-glucosyl-8-C-rhamnosyl apigenin) and rutin (3-O-rutinosyl quercetin). The identification of rutin was confirmed by comparing its retention time, UV spectrum, molecular mass, and fragmentation pattern with the reference standard. In this paper, we also report on the quantitative analysis of rutin by high-performance liquid chromatography. According to our results, heartsease herb contained 420+/-1.17 microg/g rutin.