Iridoids from Stachys byzantina K. Koch (Lamb's Ears) and Stachys germanica L. (Downy Woundwort)

Abstract Iridoids are a class of secondary metabolites found in a wide variety of plants. Iridoids are typically found in plants as glycosides, most often found to glucose. The genus Stachys L. is one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family, containing iridoids. Aim The aim of this study was the isolation and identification of iridoids from the aerial parts of Stachys byzantina K. Koch and Stachys germanica L. Methods For the isolation and identification of the iridoids, different chromatographic methods (NP-TLC, CPC and RP-HPLC) were used. The structures were established by one- and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectrometry, also. Results Iridoids (aucubin, harpagide, ajugoside and harpagoside) were isolated and identified by combination of different chromatographic methods from S. byzantina and S. germanica. Conclusion Stachys species may also be used as a potential source of iridoids.