NIS - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS)
Pesticide residues
The recommended maximum sum limit of aldrin and dieldrin is not more
than 0.05 mg/kg (22). For other pesticides, see the European pharmacopoeia
(22) and the WHO guidelines on quality control methods for medicinal
plant materials (19) and pesticide residues (23).
Heavy metals
For maximum limits and analysis of heavy metals, consult the WHO
guidelines on quality control methods for medicinal plant materials (19).
Radioactive residues
Where applicable, consult the WHO guidelines on quality control methods
for medicinal plant materials (19) for the analysis of radioactive isotopes.
Other purity tests
Content of mineral matter not more than 0.5% (1). Tests for acid-insoluble
ash, alcohol-soluble extractive and water-soluble extractive to be established
in accordance with national requirements.
Chemical assays
Contains not less than 6% of total flavonoids, expressed as isosalipurposide
(1). Flavonoids, not less than 0.5% calculated as quercetin (5, 21).
Flavonoids, not less than 0.6% calculated as hyperoside (2).
Major chemical constituents
The major constituents of the inflorescences are flavonoids: isosalipurposide
(approximately 0.4% and pyranone derivatives responsible for
the yellow colour of the involucral bracts), naringenin and its 5-O-diglucoside,
helichrysin A (salipurposide) and helichrysin B, kaempferol glucosides,
apigenin and its 7-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside
and 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone. Also
present are essential oil (approximately 0.05%; β-caryophyllene, heneicosane,
linalool, α-terpineol, anethol, thymol, carvacrol and others),
phthalides (5-methoxy-7-hydroxy-phthalide and its monoglucoside),
coumarins (scopoletin, umbelliferone, aesculetin), pyranone derivatives
(the yellow-coloured arenol and homoarenol), sterols (campesterol,
β-sitosterol), caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, carotenoids, tannins
(3, 5, 15, 24–29). The structures of the major constituents are presented
below.
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