Carbohydrates determination in the snowdrops (Galanthus L.) herbal pharmaceutical substances by TLC and UV-spectrophotometry

Plants of Galanthus L. genus (snowdrops) used in Russian medicine for obtaining neurological and cardiovascular remedies, contain different types of carbohydrates (polysaccharides, monosaccharides) as additional biological active substances group. In present research the carbohydrate composition and content were investigated in the snowdrops herbal pharmaceutical substances (Galanthus woronowii Losinsk, Galanthus nivalis L.). Optimal conditions for TLC analysis, the extraction of crude herbal drugs, were determined; spectrophotometric procedures for quantifying the total carbohydrate content in terms of monosaccharides (fructose, glucose) were successfully developed. The results of the investigation can be used in quality control and standardization of crude herbal drugs containing carbohydrates, and for inclusion in pharmacopoeial monographs. © RJPT All right reserved.