Research of polysaccharide complexes from asteraceae family plants

<p><strong>Aim of research.</strong> Depth study of polysaccharides in some little-known plant species of Asteraceae family is pressing question, considering that polysaccharides are important biologically active compounds widely used in pharmaceutical and medical practice as remedies and preventive medications. The aim of research was to determinate both quantitative content and monomeric composition of polysaccharide complexes from Asteraceae family plant species – Tagetes genus, Arnica genus, and Bellis genus.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods.</strong> Determination of polysaccharides was carried out by the precipitation reaction, using 96 % ethyl alcohol P and Fehling's solution after acid hydrolysis; quantitative content of this group of compounds was determined by gravimetric analysis. On purpose to identify the monomeric composition hydrolysis under sulfuric acid conditions was conducted. Qualitative monomeric composition of polysaccharides after hydrolysis was carried out by paper chromatography method in n-Butanol – Pyridine – Distilled water P (6:4:3) system along with saccharides reference samples.</p><p><strong>Results.</strong> Polysaccharide complexes from Tagetes erecta, Tagetes patula, Tagetes tenuifolia, Arnica montana, Arnica foliosa, wild and cultivated Bellis perennis herbs were studied. Water-soluble polysaccharides and pectin fractions were isolated from studied objects; their quantitative content and monomeric composition were determined.</p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> The highest amount of water-soluble polysaccharides was found in cultivated Bellis perennis herb (10,13 %), the highest amount of pectin compounds – in Tagetes tenuifolia herb (13,62 %); the lowest amount of water-soluble polysaccharides and pectin compounds was found in Arnica montana herb (4,61 %) and Tagetes patula herb (3,62 %), respectively. It was found that polysaccharide complexes from all studied species include glucose and arabinose