PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF PLANT RAW MATERIALS OF SMALL-FLOWERED OREGANO (ORIGANUM TYTTANTHUM GONTSCH.)

Currently, the demand for the use of phytopreparations in the treatment of various diseases is increasing, which is due to the ecological purity and natural origin of products made from plant raw materials. In this regard, the study of under-researched domestic plant species and their further introduction into medicine is one of the pressing issues. The aim of this study is to conduct pharmacognostic and phytochemical research on the lesser-studied plant small-flowered oregano (Origanum tyttanthum Gontsch.), which grows in the South Kazakhstan region, and to determine its potential for use as raw material. Methods: In the course of the study, the qualitative indicators of the aerial part of the plant raw material of small-flowered oregano were determined, as well as qualitative reactions and quantitative analysis of the composition of biologically active compounds using spectrophotometric, gravimetric, alkalimetric, and permanganatometric titration methods. In addition, the content of organic compounds was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Qualitative indicators of small-flowered oregano raw materials were determined, including moisture content, total ash, ash insoluble in 10% hydrochloric acid, and the content of organic and mineral impurities. These indicators are intended to assess the compliance of the raw materials with pharmacopeial requirements and are important for ensuring their quality, purity, and safety. Qualitative analyses were carried out, and based on the results of qualitative reactions to biologically active compounds, quantitative studies were conducted to determine the content of flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, tannins, polysaccharides, vitamin C, and free organic acids. Using the GC-MS method, 44 organic compounds were identified. Discussion: The quantitative indicators of biologically active compounds in small - flowered oregano raw materials show great potential for the creation of new medicinal products and are of significant interest for further study .