Abstract
Oxidative stress has been reported as a cause of many diseases like Parkinson′s, Alzheimer′s, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Oxidative stress can also lead to cancer formation by promoting tumor development and progression. Antioxidants derived from Lamiaceae plants play an important role in natural medicine, pharmacology, cosmetology, and aromatherapy. Herein, we examine the antioxidative capacity of essential oils from seven aromatic Lamiaceae plants against the synthetic radicals DPPH and ABTS. Among the essential oils analyzed, the most robust scavenging capacities were found in mixtures of volatile compounds from thyme and savory. The scavenging activity of tested EOs against the ABTS radical was clearly higher than activity towards DPPH. Analysis of essential oils with weaker antioxidant activity has shown that volatile compounds from marjoram, sage, and hyssop were more active than EOs from lavender and mint. It can be suggested that the potent antioxidant capacity of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and savory (Satyreja hortensis) are related to a high level of phenolic constituents, such as thymol and carvacrol. On the other hand, the elevated antioxidative power of marjoram, sage, and hyssop essential oils may also be due to their terpinene, o-cymene, terpinolene, and terpinen-4-ol constituents. Although non-phenolic components are less active than thymol or carvacrol, they may affect antioxidant capacity synergistically.
Highlights
IntroductionOne of the crucial elements necessary for life to exist on Earth is oxygen
Life is a complex process that requires energy to maintain itself
We have found that the essential oils (EOs) extracted from Thymus vulgaris predominantly contained thymol (46.6%), γ-terpinene (11.3%), p-cymene (8.1%), and carvacrol (6.4%), at a high level (Table 1)
Summary
One of the crucial elements necessary for life to exist on Earth is oxygen Aerobic organisms use this molecule to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via electron transport in the respiratory chain within mitochondria. This metabolic transformation produces oxygen-derived molecules and, among them, reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are comprised of both free radicals, and non-radical (molecular) forms [1,2]. The hydroxyl radical is one of the most potent oxidants and is able to react with lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In the absence of a mechanism for the elimination of this radical, excess production of OH leads to cell death [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
