Phytochemical evaluation of Meum athamanticum Jacq, a traditional aromatic and liqueur plant of European mountains

Abstract

Background: Meum athamanticum Jacq is an alpine aromatic plant of the Apiaceae. The roots (Bärwurz) are used in German-speaking mountain population in Europe to make herbal liqueurs. Due to the previously confirmed high content of phthalides, it may possess beneficial pharmacological properties, largely unstudied. However, the content of these compounds is variable, and the geographic diversity is poorly known.

Aims: In this study, we analyzed the GC-MS phytochemical profiles of plants from a wild population on its north-eastern border of distribution (Sudeten Mts. in SW Poland) and attempted to isolate the phthalide compounds for pharmacological evaluation.

Results: The roots contained Z-ligustilide (> 80% of relative content in the extracts) is a predominant compound, accompanied by other minor phthalides and a fatty alcohol – falcarinol (10% relative content in the non-polar extracts). A simple silica gel column chromatography allowed for selective enrichment in phthalides to > 92% (87% Z-ligustilide, 2.7% E-ligustilide, 2.6% Z-butylidenephthalide) and subsequent isolation of the major constituent. Aerial parts contained less phthalides (up to 10% relative content) and were dominated by sesquiterpenoids such as spathulenol and α-farnesene.

In conclusion, the high content of Z-ligustilide was confirmed in all parts of the plant and proved feasible to simple isolation procedures from solvent extracts. A pharmacological application of this herb should be considered beyond its current popularity as alcohol beverage ingredient.

Funding: WMU grant SUBZ.D030.22.017