Qualitative and quantitative standardisation of Epilobium angustifolium L. leaves according to Pharmacopoeial requirements

Abstract

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a medicinal plant widely used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties, attributed to the presence of ellagitannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. However, the lack of pharmacopoeial standards for its raw materials limits consistent quality control and broader pharmaceutical use. The aim of this study was to establish approaches to the qualitative and quantitative standardisation of Epilobium angustifolium leaves collected from different geographic regions. Physicochemical parameters, including impurity content, loss on drying, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash, were determined according to the European and Ukrainian Pharmacopoeias. Chromatographic profiling was performed using HPTLC and HPLC-DAD, and the total phenolic compound and flavonoid contents were measured spectrophotometrically. The results showed low levels of foreign matter (1.2%–1.5%) and moisture (6.8%–8.1%), with total ash ranging from 4.2% to 6.0% and acid-insoluble ash from 0.15% to 0.38%. Total phenolic content ranged from 0.77 to 1.44 mg GAE/g dry weight, while total flavonoid content ranged from 0.19% to 0.55%. HPLC analysis identified and quantified 13 major polyphenols, including oenothein B (24.8–60.6 mg/g), oenothein A (0.6–5.8 mg/g), isomyricitrin (17.8–32.1 mg/g), and quercitrin (4.8–10.5 mg/g) as the dominant components. The resulting chromatographic fingerprints and quantitative data demonstrate chemical consistency between samples, with regional variability due to environmental factors. The proposed parameters can serve as a basis for developing quality control standards for raw materials and a pharmacopoeial monograph for Epilobium angustifolium leaves, ensuring reproducible quality and efficacy of herbal preparations.