Membrane-active properties of crambin

Analysis of carboxylic acids of Crambe cordifolia Steven

Crambe cordifolia Steven is a perennial herb and contains many biologically active substances, including amino acids, quercetin and glycosides of kaempferol. In continuation of the investigation of these plant compounds, it is advisable to study the qualitative composition and quantitative contents of carboxylic acids. Using a HPLC method the quantitative content of the following organic acids was identified and determined: pyruvic (40.66 mg/g), isocitric (12.88 mg/g), citric (8.71 mg/g), succinic (38.03 mg/g) and malic (0.75 mg/g). Among fatty acids the saturated and unsaturated acids were determined by the GC/MS method. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the total fatty acids was 56.97%, saturated – 38.53% and monounsaturated – 4.50%. Linolenic and palmitic acids dominated among the determined 7 fatty acids, their content was 9.68 mg/g (47.87%) and 4.88 mg/g (24.14%). The results of the study show that Crambe cordifolia Steven leaves is a source of carboxylic acids.