Abstract
Chamomile and sage are common herbs that are mostly used as infusions due to their beneficial properties. The aims of this study were to determine the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and potential toxicity of chamomile and sage aqueous extracts prepared at three different temperatures (25, 80, 100 °C) and finally, to detect their phenolic profiles at the optimum temperature. In order to measure the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, Folin–Ciocalteu and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assays were applied, respectively. The extraction temperature at 80 °C was the optimum, with maximal antioxidant activity and the highest total phenolic content for both herbs. Luminescence-based assay demonstrated that all the examined aqueous extracts possessed toxicity towards Vibrio fischeri. Microtox assay demonstrated no correlation with the other two assays, which were positively correlated. The major phenolics of chamomile were rutin trihydrate, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, and apigenin-7-O-glucoside; and major phenolics of sage were rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid K, and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide, as defined by LC-MS of aqueous extracts at 80 °C. It can be concluded that the extraction of herbal aqueous extracts at 80 °C can provide significant bioactive and antioxidant compounds, but their consumption must be in moderation.
Highlights
IntroductionHerbal infusions are placed in most consumed beverages [1]
Nowadays, herbal infusions are placed in most consumed beverages [1]
The first inquiry of the study focuses on the impact of the extraction temperature on the total phenolic content of the studied herbal aqueous extracts
Summary
Herbal infusions are placed in most consumed beverages [1]. This consumption is increasing worldwide due to their significant role in the human diet as a source of antioxidants. Herbal infusions contain various bioactive phenolic compounds, which are considered beneficial for human health [2]. Herbal infusions are consumed traditionally, without safety. Are not synonymous and some phenolics have shown toxicity, it is essential to estimate and know their potential toxicity [3,4]. The modern and cost-effective Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition test has proved to be a reliable and sensitive method for the evaluation of acute toxicity of herbal infusions [5,6]
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