Identification and quantitative determination of flavonoids in the aerial parts of Teucrium polium by HPLC

Review of literature shows that large varieties of compounds have been found to bear hypoglycemic action. For instance, glycosides afford active principles that lower blood sugar in test animals. Following the I.V. administration of a 4 percent decoction of the dried T. polium herb, a definite reduction of blood sugar level has been exhibited. With reference to PDR for Herbal Medicines for the use of T. polium to reduce the blood sugar level, a hydroalcoholic extract was prepared and two major components were identified by HPLC. The extract was then used to evaluate its role on reducing blood sugar level upon clinical trails prior to the formulation and presentation as an oral drop to the market. A hydroalcoholic extract (1:1) was prepared from the dried aerial parts, although the whole herb is medicinal. Two flavones (Luteolin and Apigenin) were identified with reference to standard materials by HPLC. The amount of Luteolin and Apigenin in the aerial parts and in the dried hydroalcoholic extract were reported as 0.027, 0.058 and 0.120, 0.210 percent (w/w) respectively. There are only two common flavones, Apigenin and Luteolin, which are present and have been quantitatively determined in this study by HPLC. Apigenin is reported for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatoy, diuretic, and hypotensive activities. It is also referred to as an anti-aggregant in terms of its biological activity. Luteolin inhibits lens aldose reductase and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflmmatory activities. With the administration of aldose reductase inhibitors like Luteolin, it is possible to prevent sorbitol accumulation and diabetic cataract.