Detection and quantification of hydroxycinnamic acids in Lamiaceae species qrowing in Croatia
Lamiaceae family has a cosmopolitan distribution and comprises numerous popular and less known species with pronounced therapeutic properties. They represent a rich source of polyphenols, especially phenolic acids, e.g. rosmarinic acid. The aim of this study was to establish the presence and contents of hydroxycinnamic acids in various Lamiaceae species growing in Croatia. We used thin-layer chromatography for qualitative analysis, while determination of hydroxycinnamic derivatives was performed according to procedure described in European Pharmacopoeia. Among 32 studied species, the highest quantities of hydroxicinnamic derivatives, expressed as rosmarinic acid, were found in Satureja subspicata Bartl. ex Vis. (11.04%), Melissa officinalis L. (10.25%) and Micromeria graeca L. (9.92%), while the lowest percentages were determined in Marrubium vulgare L. (1.09%) and M. incanum Desr. (0.85%). Our results might be helpful in better understanding of complex biological activities connected with the presence of hydoxycinnamic acids in these medicinal plants.