Kuczerenko A., Węglarz Z., Przybył J. L.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the genetic and chemical variability of bennet's herb (Geum urbanum) growing wild in the eastern and central areas of Poland. HPLC was applied for determination of phenolic compounds. Two flavan-3-ols and three polyphenolic acids were found in leaves, while five flavan-3-ols and two polyphenolic acids in underground organs. The populations differed especially in respect of the content of catechin and epicatechin in underground organs. The RAPD analysis indicated genetic variability of investigated populations but there was no clear correlation between this variability and the chemical composition of determined phenolic agents.

Key words: bennet`s herb, phenolic compounds, tannins, HPLC, RAPD