| Abstract |
Oxidative reactions in the human body, which are caused mainly from the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), are implicated in multiple chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. ROS participate in various free radical reactions, which can destroy various biomolecules. The endogenous human body defense, which includes enzymes capable of quenching ROS, is likely amplified by nutrition factors. It is known that natural products from plants contribute to the bodys defense. Substances that are known as antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids and also polyphenols. The wide presence of polyphenolic compounds in nature has drawn hightened research attention due to their biological properties, among which is their antioxidant activity. Low mortality rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer have been observed in the Mediterranean region, and have purportedly been attributed to the composition of regional traditional dietary patterns. The antioxidant properties of herbs, however, used in the traditional Mediterranean diet and folk medicine have not been widely investigated, even though they may turn out to be significant in comprehending their role in disease prevention. On this basis, the infusions of nine aromatic and medicinal plants of the Mediterranean region (bay (Laurus nobilis), lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), mint (Menta spicata), linden (Tilia cordata), mountainous tea (Sideritis syriaca), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), sage (Salvia fruticosa) and Lipton black tea (Camellia sinensis)) were studied against their ability to inhibit the free radical DPPH. Of those the infusion of sage, which was extracted with organic solvents, was further studied in depth. The antioxidant activity of those extracts and their total amount of polyphenols were measured. Moreover, the extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), various fractions were collected, and their antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content were determined.
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Μελέτη αντιοξειδωτικής ικανότητας αφεψημάτων από αρωματικά φυτά της Μεσογείου. Προσπάθειες συσχετισμού αντιοξείδωσης παρουσία Fe(III) με την σύσταση αφεψημάτων από το αρωματικό φυτό φασκόμηλο (Salvia fruticosa).
