Identification and determination of triterpenoids in Hieracium pilosella L

Fractions of triterpenoids have been isolated from herb, inflorescences, and rhizomes with roots of Hieracium pilosella by typical extraction with petroleum ether. The fraction from inflorescences was investigated using GC-MS techniques. The occurrence of alpha- and beta-amyrin, taraxerol, taraxasterol, and fern-7en-3beta-ol has been observed. Quantitative analysis was also performed and taraxasterol is distinctly predominant in this triterpenoid fraction. Thin-layer chromatography on silica gel was performed on all the investigated fractions and additionally revealed the occurrence of lupeol and psi-taraxasterol in vestigial quantities. All of the triterpenoid components are reported for the first time in the investigated plant.