Pelc M., Węglarz Z., Przybył J., Szalacha E.

The study determined genetic and chemical variability of 40 populations of E. angustifolium and E. hirsutum, growing wild in the eastern Poland. The RAPD analysis indicated higher genetic variability in E. angustifolium than in E. hirsutum. The contents of biologically active phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins) in dry herb were determined. Qualitative analysis of flavonoids was performed by HPLC. There were differences in the content of flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins in the populations of both species. The main flavonoid compounds were - luteolin-7-glucoside in E. angustifolium herb and rutin in E. hirsutum herb.

Key words: E. angustifolium, E. hirsutum, RAPD, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins