Health attributes of ten Mediterranean edible flowers: anti-proliferative and enzyme-inhibitory properties
Journal Title: Trends in Phytochemical Research - Year 2019, Vol 3, Issue 4
Abstract
Edible flowers represent an important source of biologically active compounds with positive effects on consumer health. In fact, they contain high quantities of natural antioxidants and have been used since ancient times not only to prepare traditional recipes but also as a remedy against some common illnesses. In the current report, the extracts of ten Mediterranean edible flowers were analyzed to determine their relevant vitamin C, chlorophylls, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and total phenolics contents. They were also assayed in vitro for inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes relevant to carbohydrates metabolism and for anti-proliferative activity on CaCo2 colon cancer cell line. Accordingly, the extracts inhibited the a-glucosidase activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranged from 12.5 ± 1.9 to 132 ± 3.2 mg/mL, while for the anti-proliferative activity IC50 values varied from 24.26 ± 4.5 to 106.3 ± 5.7 mg/mL. In view of the obtained results, the use of these flowers provides important functional ingredients as well as contributing to the realization of delicate and more appealing flavor recipes.
Authors and Affiliations
Maria Neve Ombra; Antonio d’Acierno; Filomena Nazzaro; Florinda Fratianni
Satureja myrtifolia (Boiss. & Hohen.) Lebanese wild plant, as a resource of natural antioxidants
This study aims to evaluate total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro antioxydant activity (AA) of S. myrtifolia collected from Lebanon. TPC of S. myrtifolia were extracted by two solvents (methanol and water) and determ...
Biological activities of the methanolic extracts and compounds from leaves and twigs of Diospyros zenkeri (Gürke) F. White (Ebenaceae)
This study aimed for investigating chemical constituents and biological activities of Diospyros zenkeri (Gürke) F. White. 14 known secondary metabolites have been isolated from the leaves and the twigs of D. zenkeri such...
Volatile oil composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Boerhavia erecta L. and Euphorbia hirta L.
This study investigated the volatile oil composition of Boerhavia erecta L. and Euphorbia hirta L. along with the corresponding antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In thisregard, stems and roots of Boerhavia erecta...
Bioactivity of essential oil from Hertia cheirifolia L. flowers in the control of bacteria
To date, numerous studies have demonstrated beneficial properties of essential oils in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. The current report evaluated, in vitro, the antibacterial activity of essentia...
Antihyperlipidemic activity of a unani formulation in high fat diet-induced obese murine model
Arq zeera (AZ), a poly herbal unani formulation has been used traditionally as a remedy for reducing body fat and gastric disorder. The current study was designed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic activity of AZ agai...