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

Francisca Rodrigues, Teresa Moreira, Diana Pinto, Filipa B. Pimentel, Anabela S.G. Costa, M. Antónia Nunes, Tânia Gonçalves Albuquerque, Helena S. Costaa, Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira, Ana I. Oliveira, Stefania Sut, Stefano Dall'Acqua, M. Beatriz P.P. Oliveira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The nutritional composition of Calluna 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 α-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 1NMR 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 μg/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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)724-731
Number of pages8
JournalFood Research International
Volume111
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bioactivity
  • Calluna vulgaris (L.) hull
  • Natural antioxidants
  • Phenolic compounds

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