Intraspecific variability of main phytochemical compounds in Tribulus terrestris L. from North Bulgaria

Abstract

The samples of Tribulus terrestris (Zygophyllaceae) were collected from 16 localities in North Bulgaria, including four floristic regions. The content of three steroidal saponins-protodioscin (5.0-22.1 mg/g), prototribestin (3.1-12.1 mg/g) and dioscin (0.6-2.3 mg/g) as well as the flavonoid glucoside rutin was analyzed using an HPLC method. The results showed considerable quantitative variability of the main compounds between populations and showed only quantitative diversity between them. Some of the populations had high quality of the studied compounds and were perspective for use in the pharmaceutical industry. Cluster analysis was performed, showing no clear correlation between the content of the studied chemical compounds and the geographical occurrence of the populations. The population with the highest exploitation reserve was with the lowest quantity of the studied biologically active compounds.