The use of information theory and numerical taxonomy methods for evaluating the quality of thin-layer chromatographic separations of flavonoid constituents of Matricariae flos
Medić-Sarić, M.; Stanić, G.; Bosnjak, I.
Die Pharmazie 56(2): 156-159
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-7144 PMID: 11234345 Document Number: 535852
Matricariae flos (Chamomilla recutita) is a well known plant remedy with antiphlogistic and spasmolytic properties. A methanol extract of Matricariae flos was analysed with regard to the flavonoid composition. Rational selection of a restricted set from eight chromatographic systems tested for the separation of these compounds is discussed. Series of mathematical techniques for the evaluation of solvents and solvent combinations in thin-layer chromatography of flavonoid constituents were explored. The chromatographic systems were classified according to their mutual resemblance by numerical taxonomy techniques. The selection criterion in the groups, obtained by numerical taxonomy classification, was the information content or the discriminating power. The most suitable mobile phases for TLC separation of flavonoid constituents of Matricariae flos were: ethyl acetate-methanol-water (75:15:0 v/v), ethyl acetate-formic acid-water (80:10:10 v/v) and ethyl acetate-formic acid-acetic acid-water (100:11:11:27 v/v).