Data to the phytochemistry of Fumaria officinalis L.

Written by Varga Erzsébet, Nagy Zsuzsanna

Common fumitory (Fumaria officinalis L.) is a herbaceous annual plant, it belongs to the Fumariaceae family. It is the most common species of the Fumaria genus in Western and Central Europe. It contains isoquinoline alkaloids (fumarin and others), organic acids bound by fumaric acid, flavonoids, bitter substances and mucilages. The flowery, upper parts are used. The extract from plant has spasmolitic effect, it has antispasmodic effect on gall-bladder, stomach and intestine. In our experiments we determined the alkaloids qualitatively and quantitatively, the flavonoids qualitatively, respectively the mucilages and the bitter substances. After the TLC for alkaloids we obtained 3 identified fractions (protopina, sanguinarina, chelidonina) and 2 unindentified fractions. According to the official volumetric methods in pharmacopoeia, the alkaloid quantity is substantial. The TLC of flavonoids shows 2 identified fractions (rutin and hyperoside) and 3 unindentified fractions. The parameters of bitterness show a high value in the case of Fumariae herba opposite to Absinthii herba. The swelling factor demonstrates the presence of mucilages, but it has a low value.

 

Keywords: Fumaria officinalis L., alkaloids, flavonoids


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