PHENOLIC CONTENT IN THE NEEDLES OF CRYPTOMERIA JAPONICA (THUNB. EX L. F.) D. DON, CUPRESSOCYPARIS × LEYLANDII (A.B. JACKS. & DALLIM.) DALLIM. “CASTLEWELLAN GOLD“ AND SEQUOIADENDRON GIGANTEUM (LINDL.) J. BUCHHOLZ
UDK: 581.19:547.56:582.477 Various phenolic compounds can be found in a gymnosperms and have been related to their bioactive properties, esspecially as a allelochemicals. Total phenol, flavonoid (flavone and flavonol) and protoanthocyanindin content was estimated quantitatively by using spectrophotometric method in the needle methanol extracts of mature Cryptomeria japonica, Cupressocyparis × leylandii „Castewellan Gold“ and Sequoiadendron giganteum individuals. Although there is a strong intraspecific variability on the basis of the studied group of compounds, Duncan's test showed that C. japonica is clearly distinguishable from the other two taxa analyzed, and in particular on the basis of total proanthocyanidins and phenolics content. On the other hand, S. giganteum and C. × leylandii only differ on the basis of the flavonoid content calculated in terms of quercetin equivalent. In all three taxa proanthocyanidins had the highest variability. The ratios and relatively high content of analyzed phenolic compounds for all three studied taxa indicate that they may be considerd as a potential both chemotaxonomic characters and valuable sources of antioxidants, which should be confirmed by further researchs.