Determination of the volatile, phenolic and fatty acid contents of Helichrysum plicatum by chromatographic methods

Helichrysum plicatum, which is widely distributed in Anatolia, is known for its antidiabetic, spasmolytic, nephroprotective and antimutagenic properties and is used in traditional medicine to heal wounds and treat stomach, liver, diabetes and kidney stones. It is assumed that the biological activities of H. plicatum are due to the bioactive components it contains. In this study, the volatile oil substances, phenols and fatty acid contents of H. pilicatum were determined by chromatographic methods. Three different extracts were obtained: ethanol, ethanol-water and methanol-chloroform. Caryophyllene (17.83%) and α-pinene (16.69%) were detected in high amounts in GC-MS/MS analysis of the essential oil. Palmitic acid methyl ester (14.74-26.88%), oleic acid methyl ester (12.23-23.38%), lauric acid methyl ester (17.88-19.91%), octacosane (4.55-17.00%) and stearic acid methyl ester (4.3-14.81%) were also determined as the main components in the analysis of fatty acid content of the extracts. In the phenolic content of the extracts, naringenin and vanillic acid were determined in high amounts in ethanol and ethanol-water extracts, resveratrol and chlorogenic acid in methanol-chloroform extracts. Based on these compounds determined and known to have biological activity, their use in traditional medicine and many other areas was confirmed. It is expected that this study will shed light on in vivo and in vitro studies for detailed phytochemical analysis of H. plicatum plant. Therefore, its use in food, cosmetics and pharmacology can be widespread.