Uncaria Elliptica a Major Source of Rutin

Chromatographie analysis of fresh leafy shoots of Uncaria elliptica revealed that rutin and (–)–epicatechin are the major flavonoids present together with trace amount of one unidentified polyphenol. The leaves of U. elliptica generally contain much more rutin (up to 20.2 g %) then the woody tissues. There is a significant difference between the amounts of rutin and (–)–epicatechin in the young and old leaves. The polyphenols content in the leafy or woody plant materials vary with their physiological age. The high rutin content in the young leaves of U. elliptica makes this plant a very profitable source for commercial supply of rutin. Key Word Index Uncaria elliptica - Leaf Polyphenols - Rutin - Epicatechin