Antioxidant activities and polyphenolic contents of three selected Micromeria species from Croatia

Molecules. 2011 Feb 10;16(2):1454-70. doi: 10.3390/molecules16021454.

Abstract

Antioxidant activities of three selected Micromeria species growing in Croatia (M. croatica, M. juliana and M. thymifolia) were evaluated using five different antioxidant assays, in comparison with plant polyphenolic constituents and reference antioxidants. All studied ethanolic extracts exhibited considerable activity to scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl free radicals, reducing power, iron chelating ability and total antioxidant capacity in the order: M. croatica > M. juliana > M. thymifolia. Total polyphenol (9.69-13.66%), phenolic acid (5.26-6.84%), flavonoid (0.01-0.09%) and tannin (3.07-6.48%) contents in dried plant samples were determined spectrophotometrically. A strong positive correlation between antioxidant activities and contents of phenolic acids and tannins was found, indicating their responsibility for effectiveness of tested plants. Our findings established Micromeria species as a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols, especially the endemic M. croatica.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Croatia
  • Flavonoids / chemistry*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / chemistry
  • Hydroxybenzoates / chemistry
  • Lamiaceae / chemistry*
  • Phenols / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Polyphenols
  • Tannins / chemistry

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Flavonoids
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Hydroxybenzoates
  • Phenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols
  • Tannins
  • phenolic acid