Flavonoid Constituents in Some Species of Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) in Iran

Eight Salvia L. species including S. spinosa L., S. reuterana Boiss., S. macrosiphon Boiss., S. syriaca L., S. nemorosa L., S. virgata Jacq., S. sharifii Rech. f. & Esfand. and S. mirzayanii Rech. f. & Esfand. were studied for flavonoid compounds. These constituents were analyzed using two-dimensional maps on silica gel 60F thin layer chromatography. The flavonoid compounds of each species were purified using column chromatography with sephadex LH20 and the type of flavonoid compounds was determined using UV spectra. Based on the findings, the highest flavonoid variations were related to hydroxylation and methoxylation patterns. Five flavonoid classes namely flavones, flavanones, flavonols, isoflavones and chalcones were determined. The flavones (92%) and isoflavones (15.6%) were the highest and the lowest flavonoid classes the eight Salvia species. In addition, a total of 60 flavonoid compounds were identified. Some flavonoid compounds in studied Salvia species were first reported for Iran. The amount of flavonoid compounds in S. reuterana, S. nemorosa and S. mirzayani (27, 24, 22 compounds, respectively) was more than the other Salvia species. In conclusion, the flavonoid compounds appear to be an appropriate marker in taxonomic status of Salvia.