Estimation of the influence of the environmental factors on the accumulation of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity in the ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.).

This study aimed at evaluating the impact of environmental factors on the accumulation of various components in Hedera helix L. folium collected from different European countries. The obtained results of studied samples showed that the antioxidant capacities were in the range of 0.027 to 0.688 mg/g. Contents of active components varied: phenolic acids - from 0.033 up to 2.92 gallic acid equivalents mg/g, flavonoids - from 0.031 to 0.281 mg/g and hederacoside C - 13.54-109.458 mg g-1 DW. Samples from the northern countries had higher amounts of all phytochemicals in comparison to the southern ones. Among all studied parameters, the duration of sunshine, soil and climate had the most significant influence on the accumulation of components in ivy raw materials while altitude and precipitations showed none impact. Hedera helix can be considered as an excellent source of triterpene saponins, flavonoids and phenolic acids, and growing it at the right conditions may significantly enhance the quality of its raw material for medicinal purposes.

Development and validation of a HPLC method for quantifica-tion of degradation impurities of salbutamol sulfate with following long-term stability studies in multicomponent cough syrup.

Medicines containing both a herbal extract and a synthetic substance are in high demand due to their beneficial effects and synergism. The novel combination of salbutamol sulfate and Hedera helix extracts seems to be prospective in terms of pharmacological activity. But for quality assurance, impurities of the synthetic component have to be determined and quantified. Plant extracts consist of various phytochemical components, therefore, it is more complicated to develop a selective analytical method due to the sample matrix. To prove the safety and efficacy of the dosage form, a new HPLC method for analysis of salbutamol sulfate impurities was developed and validated. The method was used to estimate the safety of the novel syrup by performing long-term stability studies for 24 months. Obtained results indicated the absence in both significant reducing of the main components content and increasing of related substances level. Also, force degradation was carried out to prognosticate the possibility of impurities producing.