CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOBIOLOGICAL STUDY ON TARAXACUM OFFICINALE ( L . )

The objective of this study was the comparative pharmacognostical analysis of root, stem, leaf and flower of Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber, dandelion (Asteraceae). The microscopic examination showed the following specific anatomical elements: pappus, latex tubes, epidermal cells with irregularly thickened walls and inulin as deposit substance. The chemical analysis established the presence of flavonoids (rutin, hiperoside, quercetin), hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid), catehic tannins, sterols, triterpenes, carotenoids, coumarins and mucilages. Flowers and leaves have a higher amount of polyphenols compared to stems and roots. The Triticum bioassay (Constantinescu method) revealed for dandelion aqueous extracts two types of effects on cell division (mitoinhibitory or stimulative), depending on extract concentration. Rezumat Obiectivul acestui studiu a fost analiza farmacognostică comparativă a rădăcinii, tulpinii, frunzei şi florii de Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber, păpădie (Asteraceae). Examinarea microscopică a evidenţiat elementele specifice: papusul, laticiferele, celulele epidermice cu pereţi îngroşaţi moniliform şi inulina ca substanţă de rezervă. Studiul chimic a stabilit prezenţa flavonelor (rutozidă, hiperozidă, cvercetol), derivaţilor acidului hidroxicinamic (acizii cafeic şi clorogenic), taninurilor catehice, sterolilor, triterpenelor, carotenoidelor, cumarinelor şi mucilagilor. Florile şi frunzele au un conţinut mai ridicat de polifenoli comparativ cu tulpinile şi rădăcinile. Testul Triticum (metoda Constantinescu) a dovedit că extractele apoase obţinute de la păpădie au un efect bisens asupra diviziunii celulare (mitoinhibitor sau stimulant), în funcţie de concentraţie.