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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The use of traditional medicine is attributable not only to cultural and poverty reasons but also to the
ineffectiveness of many existing medicines. The lack of effective pharmaceutical formulas and the
resistance created by current antibiotic pathogens, as well as oxidative stress new therapeutic agents
from plants. In fact, several studies have shown that medicinal plants possess antioxidant properties
due largely to their phytochemical profile. In addition, they can prevent oxidative modification by
neutralizing free radicals, oxygen scavenging, or decomposing peroxides through their antioxidant
activities. Endemic plants can be a source of new bioactive compounds able to prevent several
diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s disease by combating oxidative
stress and its associated pathologies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contents of total
phenolics, flavonoids, and caffeine in six medicinal plants used traditionally in phytotherapy, usually
consumed as tea or infusion namely: Camellia sinensis, Melissa officinalis, Lippia citriodora,
Cymbopogon citratus, Matricaria chamomilla, and Tilia cordata. Significant variations in total phenolics
and flavonoids content were found among analyzed plants and depending on the nature of the
extract. The concentration of caffeine was also very dissimilar and followed the sequence M.
officinalis < T. cordata < C. citratus < M. chamomilla < L. citriodora < C. sinensis.
Description
Keywords
Medicinal plants Caffeine Phenolics Flavonoids Antioxidant activity
Citation
Vinha, A.F., Sousa, C. 2021. Phytotherapeutic activities of six plant infusions: Chemical constituents and antioxidant activity. In: echnological Innovation in Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 4, pp. 69-84. Doi: 10.9734/bpi/tipr/v4/8885D. ISBN: 978-93-90888-31-3 (Print); 978-93-90888-32-0 (eBook). PB International.
Publisher
B P International