Ethnobotany, medicinal utilization and analysis of biogenic elements and flavonoids of Apium graveolens and Tussilago farfara from Uzbekistan

Abstract

Background: Plants are a rich source of both organic and inorganic substances that play a crucial role in determining their therapeutic effects. Within each medicinal plant, a diverse array of chemical compounds and trace elements can be found, contributing to its wide spectrum of healing properties. It is important to highlight that certain chemical element found in medicinal plants are essential for sustaining life processes. Elements such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) are involved in nearly all biochemical processes within the body. They play crucial roles in regulating energy metabolism, primary and secondary metabolism, as well as hormonal regulation occurring within cells. This article examines the ethnobotany, medicinal utilization and analysis of biogenic elements and flavonoids of Apium graveolens and Tussilago farfara from Uzbekistan. Methods: The determination of biogenic elements in food products has been carried out using the plasma inductively coupled mass spectrometry method (ICP-MS). The reagents employed in the process included Standard No. 3, which contains multiple elements (29 elements for mass spectrometry). Additionally, the standards encompassed mercury, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, bi-distilled water, and argon gas (with a purity of 99.995%). The samples were subjected to analysis using the Agilent-1200 HPLC method with a diode detector, operating in the isocratic elution mode. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of acetonitrile and buffer solution in a ratio of 70:30. The eluent flowed at a volumetric flow rate of -1.0 ml/min, and 10 µl of the sample was injected. Detection was performed at a wavelength of 254 nm. The chromatographic column used was the Eclipse XDB-C18, with dimensions of 5.0 microns and 4.6×250 mm. The thermostat temperature was maintained at 300°C. Results: Analyzing the study results we observed that all samples contained more than 18 elements: Highest concentration of Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Copper, Zinc in the seeds of Apium graveolens, followed by Tussilago farfara and A. graveolens leaves. As a result of the analysis conducted on extracts of Tussilago farfara and Apium graveolens, six phenolic flavonoid compounds were successfully isolated. One particular flavonoid, apigenin, exhibits a retention time shift during analysis, indicating its presence. The relatively high concentrations of flavonoids such as rutin, quercetin, and dihydroquercetin further contribute to the significance of studying these plants. Conclusion: The conducted studies focused on the analysis of nutrients and flavonoids present in plants such as Tussilago farfara and Apium graveolens. Additionally, these medicinal plants were found to be rich in essential elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Building upon these findings, the proposal was made to develop novel dietary supplements aimed at providing relief in the treatment of bone-related disorders, cardiovascular issues, and anemia.