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.2019-03-112019-03-112018-06-05Food Res Int. 2018 Sep;111:724-731. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.012. Epub 2018 Jun 50963-9969http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/6177The 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.engCalluna vulgaris (L.) hullNatural AntioxidantsBioactivityPhenolic CompoundsComposição dos Alimentosjournal article10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.012