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

• Published in: Food research international Vol. 111; pp. 724 - 731
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Francisca, Moreira, Teresa, Pinto, Diana, Pimentel, Filipa B., Costa, Anabela S.G., Nunes, M. Antónia, Gonçalves Albuquerque, Tânia, S. Costaa, Helena, Palmeira-de-Oliveira, Ana, Oliveira, Ana I., Sut, Stefania, Dall'Acqua, Stefano, Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2018
• Subjects: Bioactivity; Calluna vulgaris (L.) hull; Natural antioxidants; Phenolic compounds; Calluna vulgaris (L.) hull; Bioactivity; Phenolic compounds; Natural antioxidants
• ISSN: 0963-9969; 1873-7145
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.012

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. [Display omitted] •Flowers presented a high content of carbohydrates and fiber.•Phenolic compounds are responsible for the bioactivities reported.•The hydro-alcoholic extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity.•No adverse effects on HaCaT cells viability were observed until 100 μg/mL.