Qualitative and Quantitative Assay of Hydroxycinnamates of Prunus spinosa L.

Background: Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) is a plant commonly found in the Russian Federation on the roadsides, forest margins, and meadows. Despite lack of recognition by the official medicine, blackthorn fruits possess antioxidant properties and are used in homeopathic preparations. They may also demonstrate antibacterial and anticancer potential due to hydroxycinnamic acids. The aim of present study was to identify and assay hydroxycinnamates in fruits of P. spinosa cultivated in Moscow Region. Materials and Methods: Fresh and dried fruits of P. spinosa, gathered from plants cultivated in Moscow Region in the harvest maturity stage, were used in the study. Qualitative composition of hydroxycinnamic acids was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography, using reversed phase C18 column. Total hydroxycinnamic acids (THA) content was assessed spectrophotometrically. Results: Similar chromatographic profiles were obtained for both fresh and dried blackthorn fruits, the two most abundant compounds being epicatechin (2.91%) and chicoric acid (2.90%). Fruits gathered in Chekhovsky District had lower content of hydroxycinnamates (0.798 ± 0.89) than those coming from Klinsky District (0.886 ± 0.92). However, the THA content in dried fruits grown in both districts was found to be similar (0.540 ± 0.71 and 0.557 ± 0.74, respectively). Conclusions: It can be concluded that blackthorn fruits can be considered as a source of hydroxycinnamic acids, as both fresh and dried fruits contain at least eleven hydroxycinnamates. It was found that the dried fruits have similar content of hydroxycinnamic acids, independently of their origin. Future research should be aimed at drying method optimization.