Physical and chemical research of the accumulation of Inula helenium L. water-soluble polysaccharides in the North Caucasus region

Abstract. Introduction. The long-term development of the Russian pharmaceutical production in the field of import-substituting goods is based on the use of natural local sources of medicinal raw materials with high pharmacological activity and a significant raw material base. Elecampane is quite promising in this context, its roots and rhizomes are widely used as medicinal raw materials, but its aboveground green parts are classified as by-products of processing. This served as the rationale for choosing them as the object of our research.

The goal of the research is comparative determination of the physicochemical characteristics of the water-soluble polysaccharide complex of elecampane (Inula helenium L.), growing in the Republic of Adygea; research of the seasonal dynamics of accumulation of complex high molecular weight carbohydrates in various plant organs; establishment of the optimal time for raw material procurement.

The objectives and methods of the research. In the research, the main standard methods of analysis were used, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the quality and authenticity of the studied plant raw materials.

The results and discussion. As part of the research, analytical monitoring of watersoluble biologically active compounds in natural populations of Inula helenium L. growing in the foothills of the Republic of Adygea has been conducted; and optimal conditions for the extraction of water-soluble polysaccharides from the roots of the studied plant have been selected. It has been demonstrated that the wild-growing raw materials of the species, growing in Adygea, accumulate significant amounts of watersoluble polysaccharides. Seasonal fluctuations in the concentrations of primary metabolism products (water-soluble polysaccharide complex) have been determined in the above-ground and underground parts of the plant. It has been established that the content of soluble carbohydrates in the roots and rhizomes of the plant increases throughout the period of active growth and development, right up to the period of mass seed formation and preparation for winter dormancy.

Conclusion. The promising nature of the conducted scientific research is demonstrated by our results, which have not only theoretical but also practical value for the purpose of establishing scientifically substantiated timeframes for raw material procurement.

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