The contents of therapeutically effective compounds of cowslip (Primula veris L.) from various stands of Levocske Mountains in eastern Slovakia

Cowslip (Primula veris L.) is a relaxing, sedative remedy, indicated in states of insomnia, tension, nervous excitability. The high saponin content accounts for its reputation in the treatment of pertussis and bronchitis, while the salicylates explain its use in the treatment of arthritic conditions. Also it is thought to be mildly diuretic and to slow blood clotting. The flavonoids are active constituens which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity. They inhibit the release of histamine and act as free radical scavengers [1]. Two methoxylated dietary flavonoids which are constituents in leaves of Primula veris L. potentially decrease adverse biological effects, such as mutagenesis and tumor formation [2]. The saponin content in flos and herba of cowslip growing in the selected parts of Levocske Mountains in eastern Slovakia was evaluated using the densitometric method. Total composition of saponine in primrose was accounted as beta-escin by using spectrophotometric method [3]. Beta-escin in cowslip from six parts of Levocske Mountains was in range of 1.2–1.7±0.1%.

Aknowledgements: MS SR VEGA project 1/4365/07.

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[2] Tsuji, P.A., Walle, T. (2006) Carcinogenesis 27:1579–1585.

[3] Deutches Arzneibuch (1999).

[4] Foubert, K. (2008) Curr. Org. Chem. 12:629–642.

[5] Burt, S.A., Reinders, R.D. (2003) Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 36:162–167.