Systematic Distribution of Flavonoids in Papilionoideae (Leguminosae)

Abstract

Flavonoids were investigated in members of subfamily Papilionoideae from Pakistan. Total number of 5 genera with 25 species were analysed in the present investigation. The genera Crotalaria. Indigofera, Medicago, Melilotus and Tephrosia were studied from the leaf samples by paper and thin layer chromatographic techniques. The total number of 55 flavonoids were tentatively identified by using authentic markers, Rf-values as reported in literature, UV-fluorescence and colour reactions with spray regent. Some of the compounds could not be identified. A number of species have been confirmed for Quercetin, Luteolin, Myricetin, Apigenin, Tricin, Acacetin, Rutin, Qu.3.Gal, Pelargonidin & Malvidin on the basis of UV-spectral properties using various shift reagents. Plant have been analysed for interplant and inter-locality chemical differences and relationships etc. This revealed the geographical, environmental and ecological stability of the compounds, clearly indicating that this approach is significant for taxonomic judgements. As the results are found to be highly significant for taxonomic judgements. As he results are found to be highly significant in the study of classification of plans with reference to flavonoids. It is recommended tat more genera and species be studied so that the chemical information of flavonoids can be more extensively used in plant classification.