Abstract
Abstract The study assessed the health-promoting properties and the content of minerals in the bark of bird cherry (Prunus padus L.), which was then used as an ingredient in functional teas. The infusions were made with the use of Matricaria chamomilla L., Tilia cordata Mill., and Calendula officinalis L., and then combined with the bark in various proportions. The prepared infusions were tested for antioxidant activity, ability to reduce copper ions and iron ions, as well as the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. In the next stage, the antimicrobial activity and the ability to inhibit the enzyme cycloxygenase-2 were assessed. Bird cherry bark contains a high potassium content of 19.457 ± 762 mg/kg d.m. In all the tests evaluating the antioxidant activity, infusions from the bark of bird cherry alone and with its 30% addition had the strongest properties. The analyzed infusions also have the ability to reduce Cu(ii) ions; they are active to reduce Fe(iii) ions and scavenge hydroxyl radical. The highest antimicrobial activity was found for teas with 20 and 30% bark, especially against Listeria monocytogenes (25.0–27.0 mm) (±3.0). The bark infusion was also found to have the highest inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) – 77.0%.
Highlights
The bird cherry (Prunus padus L.) is a tree or large shrub commonly found in Europe
This study aimed to evaluate bird cherry bark’s antioxidant properties, its ability to reduce iron and copper ions, and the degree of COX 2 inhibition, as well as its antimicrobial potential
The bark of the bird cherry is characterized by a high content of biologically active compounds that have a beneficial effect on the human body, as well as high antioxidant activity
Summary
The bird cherry (Prunus padus L.) is a tree or large shrub commonly found in Europe. Due to numerous health and healing properties, individual anatomical parts of bird cherry are often used as herbal raw materials [1]. Literature data indicate that the flowers can be chewed and the young leaves are eaten after cooking [2]. On the other hand, ripening black cherry fruits, along with chemical changes in their composition, are enriched with substances with antioxidant properties [3]. The bark of the bird cherry has not been used in food technology so far, even though it contains many bioactive ingredients [4]. Literature data suggest that bird cherry bark contains many compounds which are of functional importance for human health. The literature of the subject includes studies indicating the significant antioxidant potential of P. padus – this applies to its fruit, leaves, bark, and flowers [5,6,7,8]. Its beneficial effects on the human body are due to such substances as malic acid, citric acid, and cinnamic acid derivatives, as well as phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins, flavanols, and quercetin and kaempferol derivatives [9]
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