Pharmacognostic investigations on phytotherapeutics used in liver diseases

In this thesis, Cynara scolymus L. (Asteraceae), Silybum marianum L. (Asteraceae) and Fumaria officinalis (Fumariaceae) which are consumed as food and also used as phytotherapeutics for the treatment of liver diseases have been examined. Cynara scolymus L. was collected from İzmir-Urla İçmeler area and drogs were obtained from the stem leaves of the plant. Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) seeds and aerial parts of Fumaria officinalis (Fumitory) were obtained from herbalists in Izmir Karşıyaka region. Phytomedicines which were reported to consist any of the extracts of these plants were also obtained from pharmacies in İzmir. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the drogs and phytomedicines were prepared. The efficiecny percent for the extraction of the examined plant materials and phytomedicines were recorded. The antioxidant activities of the prepared extracts were obtained by DPPH radical scavenging method. Elementary analysis of some extracts by SEM-EDX device was performed and the macro and micro elements were detected. In addition, total flavonoids of some extracts were measured by Aluminum chloride colorimetric method. The silymarin content of phytomedicines which were obtained from pharmacies and claimed to include silymarin was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and the results were evaluated for compatibility with the drug label. Also, organoleptic control of capsule content of herbal medicines used in quantification of silymarin was performed and the content was examined under microscope.