Browsing by Author "Pimentel, F.B."
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- The phytochemical and bioactivity profiles of wild Calluna vulgaris L. flowersPublication . Rodrigues, F.; Moreira, T.; Pinto, D.; Pimentel, F.B.; Costa, A.; Nunes, M.A.; Albuquerque, T.G.; Costa, H.S.; Palmeira-de-Oliveira, A.; Oliveira, A.I.; Sut, S.; Dall'Acqua, S.; Oliveira, M.B.P.P.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.