BIOCHEMICAL RESEARCH OF THE SPECIES ORCHIS MORIO L. FROM ZLATAR

Abstract

Salep tuber is sourced from young tubers of plants belonging to genera such as Orchis (Orchis morio L, Orchis militaris L, Orchis mascula L, Orchis latifolia L), Ophrys (Ophrys fuciflora (Cr) Haller), Platanthera (Platanthera bifolia (L) Rich,), Anacamptis (Anacamptis pyramidalis (L) Rich), and Gymnadenia (Gymnadenia conopsea (L) RBr) from the Orchidaceae family. Ph.Yug.II categorizes Orchis morio L as salep, aligning with CITES convention and IUCN categories for vulnerable species. As a mucilaginous drug, salep is used as an enema for intestinal catarrh and added to drugs with local irritating effects due to its soothing impact on mucous membranes. Qualitative gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GH/MS) analysis of Orchis morio tubers from Zlatar mountain’s dry meadows reveals compounds like cinnamaldehyde, α-terpinyl acetate, coumarin, α-muurolol, pogostol, caryophyllene, n-hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, pentacosane, heptacosane, nonacosane, campesterol, cyclolartenol, sitosterol, and predominantly β-sitosterol. The elevated β-sitosterol content supports the use of salep in treating benign prostate diseases.