Biologically Active Compounds from Bark of Juniperus communis (Cupressaceae).

The component composition of the bark was studied in Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae). The juniper bark was shown to contain 3.5 times more extractives than wood. Individual component compositions of ethanol and petroleum extracts of J. communis bark was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The ethanol and petroleum bark extracts were found to differ in component composition. Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and resin acids were major constituents of the J. communis ethanol extract, while resin acids, fatty acids, and sterols were major constituents of the petroleum extract. High antiradical activity was observed in the ethanol extract of J. communis bark. Inhibition of the ABTS radical activity by the ethanol bark extract reached 86-87%. Based on the findings, the bark of J. communis from the subarctic region was concluded to provide a source of valuable bioactive substances.