The phytochemical and bioactivity profiles of wild Calluna vulgaris L. flowers

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Rodrigues, F (Author) Other; Moreira, T (Author) Other; Pinto, D (Author) Other; Pimentel, FB (Author) Other; Costa, ASG (Author) Other; Antonia Nunes, MA (Author) Other; Albuquerque, TG (Author) Other; Costa, HS (Author) Other; Palmeira de Oliveira, A (Author) Other; Oliveira, AI (Author) Other; Sut, S (Author) Other; Dall'Acqua, S (Author) Other; Beatriz B P P Oliveira (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Food Research International

Vol. 111

Pages: 724-731

ISSN: 0963-9969

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citations

Scopus - 12 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-HD5

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.012

Abstract (EN): The nutritional composition of Callum vulgaris flowers as well as the phytochemical profile, antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP assays), antimicrobial and cytotoxic (in human immortalized non-tumorigenic keratinocyte and fibroblasts) activities of aqueous, hydroalcoholic and ethanolic extracts were evaluated. A high content of fiber and carbohydrates (75%) and the prevalence of alpha-tocopherol as vitamer deserves attention. Linolenic (35%), linoleic (27%) and palmitic (21%) acids were the most abundant fatty acids. Qualitative and quantitative analysis by LC-MS and (NMR)-N-1 indicated high levels of quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin derivatives as well as procyanidins. The hydro-alcoholic extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC). No adverse effects on cells were observed until a concentration of 100 mu g/mL and a good antimicrobial activity was reported against S. epidermidis and S. aureus with the hydro-alcoholic extract. The data obtained demonstrated that wild plants like heather, although not being a common nutritional reference, can be used in an alimentary base as a source of bioactive compounds, namely antioxidants.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8