Shading of Medical Plants Affects the Phytochemical Quality of Herbal Extracts

Nadica Tmušić,Dragana Lalević,Ljubomir Šunić,Jasna Mastilović,Ljiljana Stanojević,Zoran S Ilić,Lidija Milenković,Žarko Kevrešan,Dragan Cvetković

doi:10.3390/horticulturae7110437

Nadica Tmušić, Dragana Lalević + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110437

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Journal: Horticulturae	Publication Date: Oct 27, 2021
Citations: 13	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Novi Sad, University of Nis

Abstract

The manipulation of light intensity by shade nets can lead to exchanges in the phytochemical quality and antioxidants ofsome herbs. This study aimed to determine whether shading by pearl nets (50% shade index) could improve the bioactive compounds in several medicinal herbs such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), and their correspondingherbal extracts during a four-week maceration process in ethanol. Oregano and thyme provided the highest yield of total extractive substances (TES) from both shaded and non-shaded plants. Among all studied herbs, the highest level of antioxidants, expressed as total phenolic content (TPC) was found in extracts from shaded plants of lemon balm. Herbal extracts produced from non-shaded thyme and marjoram had higher flavonoid contents compared to herbal extracts from shaded plants. Accumulation of the investigated secondary metabolites depends more on the specificity of a plant species rather than light intensity. This study was an initial step in the production of medicinal plants with an increased quantity of antioxidant and other bioactive compounds during the maceration process in extracts, aimed to be used as natural alcoholic productwith added value.

Highlights

Published: 27 October 2021The mint family (Lamiaceae-Labiatae) includes important plants such as peppermint, thyme, lemon balm, marjoram, and oregano
Alcoholic beverages comprise a large group of drinks
The medical plants from the mint family (Lamiaceae—Labiatae) such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) wereused to determine whether shading by pearl nets could improve the bioactive compounds in these herbs, which are used for the preparation of liqueurs during the maceration process

Summary

Introduction

The mint family (Lamiaceae-Labiatae) includes important plants such as peppermint, thyme, lemon balm, marjoram, and oregano. These plants are used for culinary, medicinal [1], cosmetic, and ornamental purposes in the household or in variousindustries [2]. Alcoholic beverages comprise a large group of drinks (most often herb liqueurs produced by maceration of various herbs and spices that have a long tradition of use). They are commonly consumed before or after a meal due to their effect to stimulate appetite and improve digestion as a result of their potential functional properties [7]. These drinks are widely used in gastronomy and represent part of the tradition in Serbia too

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