COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE COMPOSITION OF HOMEOPATHIC MATRIX TINCTURES FROM FRESH, FROZEN, AND DRIED FRUITS

Introduction. Most homeopathic drugs are prepared from fresh medicinal plant materials (MPM). However, the need for processing fresh raw material within the first 24 hours after its harvest substantially limits the use of MPM. Freezing is the most optimal way of preserving fleshy fruits. Objective: to comparatively investigate the composition of homeopathic matrix tinctures obtained from fresh, frozen, and dried redhaw hawthorn (Crataegus sanguinea) and mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) fruits. Material and methods. Samples of fresh, frozen, and dried redhaw hawthorn and mountain ash fruits are matters for this investigation. The fruits were dried at a temperature of 60-80°C, frozen at minus 18°C. Homeopathic matrix tinctures were prepared in accordance with GPA 42-0027-05 «Homeopathic Matrix Tinctures». The pH values, density, and dry residue were determined in the tinctures. The composition of biologically active substances (BAS) in the tinctures was examined by a thin-layer chromatographic method. The content of ascorbic acid and the amount of organic acids in the tinctures were estimated by galvanostatic coulometry, those of tannins were determined titrimetrically; those of flavonoids and polysaccharides were calculated spectrophotometrically and gravimetrically, respectively. Results. The investigation provided evidence that the component composition of dominant BAS groups in the matrix tinctures from fresh and frozen redhaw hawthorn and mountain ash fruits was identical and the quantitative content of flavonoids, tannins, organic acids, ascorbic acid, and polysaccharides there was slightly different. Conclusion. The investigation has shown that frozen fruits may be used in homeopathy for the manufacture of homeopathic matrix tinctures as an alternative to fresh plant raw material.