Variability of total flavonoids in Crataegus--factor evaluation for the monitored production of industrial starting material

European Hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) are traditionally used for their demonstrated cardioprotective benefits. Most products are based on the compendial leaf and flower drug (LFD), which is standardised on the total flavonoid content (TF). In order to reduce variability associated with the wild plant origin and to ease product standardisation, we set out to develop a sustainable source of high quality raw material. Firstly, the LFD of wild trees in Germany was screened in terms of TF content (spectrophotometric analysis, calculated as hyperoside) according to the current pharmacopoeia requirements. Secondly, eleven high value provenances were selected, propagated, cultivated and the grafted clones were reanalysed. Thirdly, major environmental and sourcing influences were assessed: the year of harvest, the growing location, exposure to sunlight, the harvest time and the portion of leaf, flower and wood within the LFD. We found the TF in LFD of 150 wild grown Crataegus ranged between 0.28% and 1.92% (average 1.15%). Pure single styled Crataegus monogyna and hybrid trees represented the major portion (57%) of all screened trees. The hybrids with mainly two-styled flowers (pure Crataegus laevigata and hybrids) showed slightly higher TF values. The selected clones proved to maintain a high TF profile in cultivation, although superiority was attenuated when not only O-glycosides, but also C-glycosides were covered by the assay. Environmental influence surpassed in part the genetic variation of the selection in this study. In conclusion, cultivated high performance trees under central European conditions produced LFD exceeding the Pharmacopoeia standards. Careful monitoring of production - particularly in terms of the harvest time and actual LFD location and composition - has decisive impact to guarantee consistent high TF values.