Phytochemical evaluation and HPTLC investigation of bark and extracts of Rhamnus Frangula Linn

The bark of Rhamnus frangula Linn (Frangula alnus Miller, family Rhamnaceae) (buckthorn) is used traditionally as a medicinal plant. The most studied compounds in buckthorn bark (Frangula cortex) are the derivatives of 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinones (1,8-DAD). For a long time, their therapeutic uses have been only laxative and purgative. For about 25 years, numerous scientific studies have also indicated the antimicrobial, antifungal and insecticidal activities after biological investigations, with applications in agriculture. The study presents the qualitative (HPTLC) and quantitative (UV/VIS spectrophotometry and HPTLC densitometry) analysis of the main constituents [total hydroxymethylanthraquinones as 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone and 1,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyl-anthraquinone (emodin)] of plant material (R. frangula bark) and frangula bark extracts obtained by different extraction processes and with a different solvent (EtOH, alkaline water).