The Content of Biologically Active Substances in the Aboveground Phytomass of Catmint (Nepeta Cataria L.) in Ontogenesis

Abstract

The need for a systematic phytochemical studying of Nepeta cataria L. is related to solving the problem of using of this valuable plant resource. The purpose of the work was to study the dynamics of the accumulation of biologically active substances in the aboveground phytomass of N. cataria L. in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. In years 2008-2013 the study of N. cataria L. was carried out in a culture on the basis of standard methods. The aboveground phytomass of N. cataria L. contains a variety of biologically active substances. A study of the dynamics of the content of the main biologically active substances in ontogenesis showed that during mass flowering, the maximum content is reached for essential oils, total acidity, ascorbic acid, and the content of tannins. The content of individual biologically active substances did not depend on the ontogenesis phase and remained at the same level during the growing season. There was established the relationship between the biologically active substances content and the weather and climate conditions of the year: direct – with average air temperature and inversely proportional – to the amount of precipitation. Keywords— Nepeta cataria L., phenological phases of development, biologically active substances, antibacterial activity