Quality Standardization and Pharmacotechnological Properties of Melampyrum pratense Grass

Abstract

The content of moisture, ash, extractive substances, impurities, and the main biologically active substances in the above-ground parts of blue cow wheat (Melampyrum pratense) has been studied. The average content of the main components, flavonoids and iridoids, has been estimated at 0.18 -0.64 and 1.35 -5.90%, respectively. The optimum extraction conditions are provided by the repercolation of a raw material comminuted to a particle size within 0.25 -2.0 mm with a 50% ethanol solution in a battery of four percolators. Liquid (1:1) extracts, dry alcohol extract, and dry aqueous extract have been obtained and their anticonvulsant activity has been determined in tests on mice. The maximum activity was observed for the dry aqueous extract in a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, which is explained by the consistent action of the entire complex of biologically active substances. The acute toxicity (LD 50 ) is 2930 mg/kg for the dry extracts and 30.8 ml/kg for the liquid extracts. 2070091-150X/05/3904-0207