[Effects of calcinogenic plants--qualitative and quantitative evaluation]

Different research methods demonstrated the presence of variable quantities of Vitamin D as well as its metabolites in calcinogenic plants. Most of the experiments indicated that the active component most probably should be the metabolite 1,25 (OH)2D3 linked as a glycoside. By this research it was achieved to evaluate the presence of elements with Vitamin D-like activity in the calcinogenic plants Solanum malacoxylon, Cestrum diurnum, Trisetum flavescens and Nierembergia veitchii by testing different extracts of the above plants by oral application to rachitic chicks within the research model "Strontium added Alimentation". After the oral administration of the extracts, the serum was analysed to determine the level of the elements calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. The results gained with chicks demonstrated the presence of substances with Vitamin D-like activity in the 4 plants. Solanum malacoxylon and Cestrum diurnum as well contained substances of hydrosoluble character with elevated activity which was indicated by the significant high levels of calcium and phosphorus combined with a reduced activity of the alkaline phosphatase. This indicated the presence of 1,25 (OH)2D3 in both plants. The hydrosoluble character of the active substance in both plants is most probably explained as a compound of the metabolite 1,25 (OH)2D3, combined as a glycoside in the position O-25 of the molecule. Nierembergia veitchii and Trisetum flavescens contained only minor concentration of elements with hydrosoluble characteristics. The results of the 4 analysed plants were evaluated quantitatively as follows: Solanum malycoxylon--82,800 IU of Vitamin D/kg, Cestrum diurnum--63,200 IU of Vitamin D/kg, Nierembergia veitchii--16,400 IU/kg and Trisetum flavescens 12,000 Vitamin D IU/kg. All concentrations are calcinogenic.