Content of sterols in in vitro propagated Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub plants

Summary Introduction: Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub (syn. Epilobium angustifolium L.) plants have been used in the treatment and alleviating symptoms of mild Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Plants are abundant in polyphenols, particularly ellagitannins, phenolic acids and flavonoids. Apart from polyphenols, herb of this species also contains steroids, triterpenes and fatty acids. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the content of campesterol, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol in C. angustifolium genotypes cultivated in vitro. Methods: Plants grown in vitro and the plants harvested from field were subjected to the HPLC-DAD analysis. Results: The investigated genotypes differed in sterol content. Stigmasterol (375.64–577.77 mg/100 g of dry weight – DW) was a predominant compound among the tested sterols. In contrast to in vitro cultures, plants harvested from field synthesized mainly β-sitosterol (103.05 mg/100 g DW), whereas campesterol and stigmasterol were less abundant. Conclusions: C. angustifolium in vitro cultures are rich source of phytosterols, particularly stigmasterol. Genotype had a significant effect on phytosterol accumulation under in vitro conditions.