CHEMOTAXONOMIC FEATURES OF THE ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA L. INTRODUCED FROM THE NORTH AMERICA

Abstract

Introduction. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a tree belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae) and is native to North America. The flowers of this plant are utilized in traditional medicine across various countries for their diuretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, choleretic, and sedative properties.The aim of the Study. This study aims to analyze the qualitative composition and quantitative content of volatile compounds in the flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia, as well as to determine the chemotaxonomic features of the studied population.Research Methods. The object of the research was the flowers of black locust, which were collected at the beginning of their flowering season from the outskirts of Ternopil and dried at a temperature of 25–35°C. The composition of volatile compounds was analyzed using chromatographic-mass spectrometric method.Results and Discussion. In the flowers of studied plant, 14 volatile components were identified. The predominant compounds were oxygen-containing monoterpenoids. The major volatile compounds included myrtenal (92.88 μg/g), nopinone (61.02 μg/g), cis-jasmone (31.26 μg/g), β-pinene oxide (25.81 μg/g), and (-)-myrtenol (24.93 μg/g). The chemotypic features of the studied raw material were assessed through comparisons with findings from other researchers.Conclusions. The qualitative composition and quantitative content of volatile compounds in the flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia have been established, along with the chemotaxonomic features of the studied population. Future research could be focused on clarifying the relationship between the composition of essential oils and the chemotaxonomic features of the Robinia pseudoacacia population commonly found in Ukraine, as well as investigating their pharmacological properties.