PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON ACHENES OF TARAXACUM OFFICINALE WEB.
MARILENA-VIORICA CODREANU1, VIORICA ISTUDOR1, MIHAELA DINU1, NICULINA DOCIU2
1University of Medicine and Pharmacy,“Carol Davila”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
2Biotehnos, Bucharest, Romania
Corresponding author e-mail: marilenaviorica@yahoo.com

Abstract:

Dandelion achenes were pharmacognostically analysed in order to be taken into account. The anatomical characteristics and chemical composition of achenes were determined. A physico-chemical study of dandelion achenes fatty oil was carried out (oil content, refractive index, relative density, acid and iodine values, fatty acids, phytosterols and monoglycerides’ gas chromatographical profiles). Specific epicarp with moniliform thickenings and lignificated fibres were described. Carotenoids, sterols, triterpenes (aglycones and glycosides), flavonoids, coumarins, reducing compounds, condensed tannins, polyphenolcarboxilic acids, proanthocianins, saccharides, mucilages and lipids were identified. The oil content of achenes was found to be 22.51-23.05% and the percentage of essential fatty acids was substantial (42.84%): linoleic acid (38.17%), γ-linolenic acid (3.89%) and α-linolenic acid (0.78%). Stigmasterol (1.47%) and β-sitosterol (6.76%) were identified too. Because of there abundance in nature, dandelion achenes could be a valuable source of γ-linolenic acid, a rare compound with noteworthy biological effects

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