Investigation of babies’ breath (Gypsophila paniculata L.) herb: anatomical structure and chemical composition

Introduction. Babies’ breath (Gypsophila paniculata L.) is known to be a rich plant source of saponins (as much as 25-28%). It is widely used in various industries as a foaming agent, absorbent and stabilizer. The rhizomes and roots of babies’ breath under the name of white, or Levantine, soaproot are exported. The plant herb and its chemical composition have not been investigated. In folk medicine, the plant is used as an expectorant, laxative and emetic. Objective: to investigate the anatomical structure of babies’ breath herb and the composition of two main groups of biologically active compounds, such as ecdysteroids and phenolic compounds. Material and methods. The investigation objects were dried aboveground plant portions harvested in the Ryazan Region. Ecdysteroids and polyphenolic compounds were analyzed by HPLC on a GILSON 305 chromatograph with a UV detector (France). Results. The stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant were analyzed by microscopy. The anatomical and diagnostic signs (the structure of the epidermis, the presence of druses) of babies’ breath were established. Ecdysteroids (ecdysterone, polypodine B) and phenolic compounds - phenolcarboxylic (caffeic, gallic, ferulic, neochlorogenic) acids, vicenin, hesperidin, catechin, epicatechin, and coumarin were proven to be present in the raw materials. Conclusion. Babies’ breath herb can be used as a highly effective source of ecdysteroids.

Gypsophila paniculata L, babies’ breath, Gypsophila paniculata L, anatomical and morphological studies, HPLC, ecdysteroids, phenolic compounds