CONTENT OF THE MAJOR GROUPS OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN YOUNG LEAVES OF <i>CAMPANULA </i>SPECIES (CAMPANULACEAE)
The aim of this research was a comparative characteristic of major groups of biologically active substances (catechins, flavonols, tannins, saponins, pectin substances, ascorbic acid and carotenoids) in young leaves of 8 species of genus Campanula L. introduced in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia: C. alliariifolia Willd., C. altaica Ledeb., C. carpatica Jacq., C. latifolia L., C. persicifolia L., C. rapunculoides L., C. sarmatica Ker-Gawl., C. trachelium L. The content of major groups of biologically active substances was determined in freshly harvested raw materials (leaves in spring growth phase). All biochemical parameters, except for ascorbic acid, were calculated in relation to the mass of absolutely dry raw material. A high content of flavonols (up to 5.7 %), tannins (up to 20.6 %), saponins (up to 30.9 %), pectin substances (up to 11.7 %), ascorbic acid (up to 263.3 mg%), carotenoids (up to 296.7 mg%), and minor amount of catechins (up to 0.21 %) were established in young leaves. The significant interspecific and individual variability of metabolites was revealed. Species of the genus Campanula are promising for further study as a source of flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Due to the high content of ascorbic acid, carotinoids and pectin substances they are of interest as food plants in spring.