PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SELECTED KIND OF MEDICINAL HERBS

Abstract

Medicinal herbs are used due to their health benefits, a special aroma, taste and are considered as one of the richest sources of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to determine antioxidant activity (DPPH and phosphomolybdenum method), a total polyphenol (using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent), flavonoid (aluminium chloride method), phenolic acid content (using Arnov reagent), antimicrobial activity (disc diffusion method) and chemical composition (ICP-OES instrument) of medicinal herbs (ginger, comfrey, valerian, chicory, horseradish, and ramsons) grown in Slovak republic. Antioxidant activity by DPPH method ranged from 0.61 (ramsons) to 3.62 (ginger) mg TEAC per g of dry matter (TEAC-Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity); by phosphomolybdenum method from 66.67 (valerian) to 204.14 (ginger) mg TEAC per g of dry matter. Total polyphenol content ranged from 4.37 (comfrey) to 13.19 (ramsons) GAE per g of dry matter (GAE-gallic acid equivalent); total flavonoid content from 1.07 (chicory) to 47.55 (ramsons) QE per g of dry matter (QE-quercetin equivalent) and total phenolic acid content from 0.99 (horseradish) to 9.77 (ginger) CAE per g of dry matter (CAE-caffeic acid equivalent). In a sample of ginger was detected the highest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus CCM 7934 (5 mm). Among the mineral compounds-in all observed samples were dominated (mg.100g-1) of potassium, phosphor, magnesium, and calcium. The amount of cadmium, chrome, and lead in observed samples was detected only in a trace amount, so our results reveal that the medicinal herbs do not represent in this study a potential health risk regarding the content of toxic elements. The consumption and using of medicinal plants as a part of the food mode of consumers due to health benefits is recommended.