Abstract

ARAMBARRI, Ana M  and  HERNANDEZ, Marcelo P. Variación estacional de saponinas en Solidago chilensis var. chilensis (Asteraceae). Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2014, vol.49, n.4, pp.483-489. ISSN 1851-2372.

Seasonal variation of saponins in organs of Solidago chilensis var. chilensis (Asteraceae). Solidago chilensis Meyen var. chilensis is a widely distributed weed in Argentina. Owing to the presence of saponins, S. chilensis is a poisonous weed for cattle. However, it has several medicinal uses and it is considered a melliferous species. The purpose of this study was to analyze the seasonal variability in the saponin content of subterranean and aerial organs of S. chilensis by a qualitative method. Using an aqueous solution obtained from fresh plant material of different organs (rhizomes, roots, stems, leaves and inflorescences), the saponin content was determined by the height of the foam column of the solution. Saponins were always present in subterranean organs of the plant (roots and rhizomes), but also gave a highly positive reaction in leaves from the end of summer to early autumn (March-April). Accordingly, between March and April, is the most suitable period to extract saponins from S. chilensis under natural conditions.

Keywords : Aerial organs; Cattle; Medicinal plant; Poisonous weed; Subterranean organs.

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