Extraction, Distribution and Diversity of Phenolic Compounds in Most Widespread Boraginaceae Species from Macedonia

A systematic study of extraction efficiency of polyphenolic compounds from the most widespread Boraginaceae species was carried out. The optimal extraction was achieved with 50 % (V/V) methanol for phenolic acids and flavonoids, 0.2 % (V/V) HCl in 50 % (V/V) methanol for anthocyanins and pure water for flavan-3-ols. The distribution and diversity of polyphenolic compounds in plant material obtained from wild-growing Anchusa officinalis, Cynoglossum creticum Mill., Echium vulgare, Echium italicum, and Onosma heterophylla Griseb. species from Macedonia was also assessed. These widespread Boraginaceae species contain phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids, flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins and in total 31 of them were identified, from which 22 were first identified in the representative species, and 6,8-di-C-glucosides of apigenin and luteolin were identified for the first time in Boraginaceae. The profiles of polyphenolic compounds for each sample were obtained and their phytochemical profile established. The potential for further bioactivity studies of Anchusa officinalis and Cynoglossum creticum containing up to 24577.05 mu g/g and 14304.15 mu g/g of total polyphenols were assumed to be highest, followed by Echium vulgare (from 6382.61 to 14114.33 mu g/g), Onosma heterophylla (9463.97 mu g/g) and Echium (4108.14 mu g/g).

Automated summary

A systematic study was conducted to investigate the extraction efficiency of polyphenolic compounds from the most widespread Boraginaceae species. The study also assessed the distribution and diversity of polyphenolic compounds in different species from Macedonia. Thirty-one polyphenolic compounds were identified, out of which twenty-two were first reported in the representative species, and two new compounds were discovered in the Boraginaceae family. Anchusa officinalis and Cynoglossum creticum were found to have the highest content of total polyphenols, followed by Echium vulgare, Onosma heterophylla, and Echium.