PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDY OF THE POLLEN OF PINUS SYLVESTRIS L. AND PINUS PUMILA (PALL) REGEL

Aim of the research. Characterization of the Pinus sylvestris (PS) and Pinus pumila (PP) pollen's external, anatomical and diagnostic features, phytochemical analysis and determination of raw material quality indicators, elemental composition. Materials and methods. The PS pollen was collected on the coast of the Lake Baikal, nearby village Manturiha, the PP pollen - at mountain range Ulan-Burgasyin 30 km from Ulan-Ude during May-June, 2020. Pollen quality indicators were determined according to RF State Pharmacopoeia. The total flavonoids and the total free amino acids were determined by spectrophotometric method, the content of tannins and ascorbic acid was determined according to pharmacopoeia methods. The quantitative content of elements in pollen was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer SolaarM6, after preliminary decomposition of pollen samples with concentrated nitric acid in the microwave system MARS 6. Results. The pollen of the studied pine species is a fine powder from light yellow to yellow (PS) and from yellow to dark yellow (PP) color. The smell is specific, weak. The taste is sweetish. The microscopy of pollen grains showed that they have a similar structure for both pine species, and consist of a body and two air sacs. The following indicators of raw material quality were determined: moisture content - 7.15-8.06%; total ash - 2.68-3.22%; ash insoluble in 10% HCI - 0.18-0.13%. The largest amount of extractive substances from pollen is extracted with 60% ethyl alcohol: from pollen PS - 35.51%, PP - 32.64%. The content of flavonoids (0.64-0.83%), free amino acids (2.45-3.65%), tannins (0.32-0.76%), ascorbic acid (33.84-34.21 mg%) was determined. The pine pollen elemental composition analysis results showed that the macroelements with highest content are potassium (11493-12942 mg/kg), and magnesium (925-1045 mg/kg), trace elements - manganese (65-155 mg/kg) and zinc (44-54 mg/kg). The content of heavy metals in pollen of both species is significantly lower than the limits established for medicinal plant products. Conclusion. For the first time the pharmacognostic study of the Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pumila pollen, growing in Buryatia, was carried out. The main external and anatomical-diagnostic features of pollen were determined, the similarity of features for PS and PP was established. The presence of flavonoids, tannins, amino acids, polysaccharides, ascorbic acid in the pollen of both pine species was established. The pollen's quality indicators satisfy the requirements for powdered medicinal plant raw materials and bee pollen. Analysis of the quantitative content of biologically active substances showed that PP pollen contains more free amino acids and tannins, and PS pollen contains slightly more flavonoids and ascorbic acid. The analysis of the elemental composition showed that the PS and PP pollen is rich in macroelements and trace elements, especially potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron and zinc. The content of heavy metals in pine pollen does not exceed the limits for medicinal plant raw materials. The results of this study could be useful in development of new therapeutic substances of plant origin from pine pollen, as well as to introduce it into official medicine as a medicinal plant material.

Pinus sylvestris, Pinus pumila, pharmacognostic study, pinepollen, Pinus sylvestris L, Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel, medicinal plant raw material