Invasive Polygonum cuspidatum: physico-chemical analysis of a plant extract with pharmaceutical potential
November 17, 2014
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| Article Title: | Invasive Polygonum cuspidatum: physico-chemical analysis of a plant extract with pharmaceutical potential |
| Authors: | Ardelean F., Moacă E.A., Păcurariu C., Antal D.S., Dehelean C., Toma C-C, Drăgan S. |
| Affiliation: | 1University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babes” Timisoara, Faculty of Pharmacy 2Politehnica University Timisoara, Faculty of Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Engineering 3”Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Faculty of Pharmacy 4University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babes” Timisoara, Faculty of Medicine |
| Abstract: | Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is currently appreciated as a source of resveratrol, a stilbene with exceptional potential in the management of cardiometabolic disorders and cancer. While the underground parts of plants growing in Asia are particularly researched for the extraction of resveratrol, plant populations growing in Europe have mostly received attention due to their highly invasive character. The potential use of invasive Polygonum cuspidatum is unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate invasive Japanese knotweed populations growing in Romania as a source of plant material for further research of its medicinal potential. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis (TG/DSC) were employed to characterize the rhizome extract. Subsequently, the kinetic response upon treatment with DPPH was monitored as a measure of the antioxidant activity and related to the total phenolic content. The total phenolic content of the extract measured in the current study was 146.34±5.36 mg/g extract expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Our results establish a useful background for the potential inclusion of wild growing knotweed in dietary supplements and cosmetic preparations. |
| Keywords: | Polygonum cuspidatum, FT-IR, DPPH, antioxidant, polyphenols |
| *Correspondence: | Elena Alina Moacă, University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Victor Babes” Timisoara, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, Timisoara, 300041, Romania, Tel. +40256 494604, e-mail: alina.moaca@umft.ro |
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