Mountain Tea Research Articles

Extract preparation from Sideritis scardica enhances memorizing skills of mice in Morris water maze

The Greek mountain tea is well known in Europe, occurring mainly in Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. The botanical species hereof is Sideritis scardica Griseb. Over centuries it was used as relaxing tea (so called Shepard's tea or Mursalski tea). Actual in vitro investigations showed influence on reuptake-inhibition of neurological transmitters by Sideritis scardica extracts. Due to this, investigations were performed about in-vivo effects of Sideritis extracts relating to mental CNS disorders (Alzheimer's disease) and cognition. As an established test model for cognition and spatial memory, we used the Morris water maze (MWM). Beginning with this model 30 years ago, healthy mice were tested treatment group vs. non-treatment group. Newest investigations demonstrate that a within-subject comparison approach is both valid and effective in reducing variability. Today, transgenic AD mice are available which allow testing of active substances against AD. Therefore, we introduced a Ginkgo biloba extract as positive control which is used as off-label cognition enhancer in elderly and AD patients. Following four groups (n = 6) were tested: Healthy control group (2) showed reduced latencies (-20%) as compared to the transgenic group (1, AD control), which confirms the suitability of (1) for our approach. The group (3) of Sideritis scardica treated AD mice showed significant lower latencies (-60% vs. control 1, and -40% vs. control 2, resp.), whereas the group of Ginkgo treated mice did not differ from any control 1 or 2. The behavioral testing results for the Sideritis group (3) correlate with the histopathological finding – reduction of total s-Amyloid amount by 55% vs. control (1).

Bioactive‐rich Sideritis scardica tea (mountain tea) is as potent as Camellia sinensis tea at inducing cellular antioxidant defences and preventing oxidative stress

In several countries, tea (hot-water infusions of dried Camellia sinensis (CS) leaves) is a major source of antioxidant flavonoids, and its consumption has been associated with several favourable outcomes. Other plants used for the preparation of herbal teas are sources of phenolic antioxidant compounds; among them Sideritis scardica (SS) is used for the preparation of a popular drink throughout Eastern and Central Europe. We have compared the effects of an SS extract to a CS extract in HepG2 cells to set the scientific basis for the exploitation of other herbal teas in counteraction of oxidative stress. Although SS extract had a lower phenolic concentration and total antioxidant capacity than CS extract, their cellular antioxidant effects were similar. The different phenolic pattern of the extracts suggests that the protective activity is not limited to catechins. Although further research is needed, our data represent a first contribution for the evaluation of the potential effect of SS in increasing antioxidant defences. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Herbal infusions; their phenolic profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in HT29 and PC3 cells

In this survey, we analyzed the phenolic profile of six herbal infusions namely Cretan marjoram, pink savory, oregano, mountain tea, pennyroyal and chamomile by LCDAD-MS and by GC-MS. Further, we investigated their anticarcinogenic effect as to their ability to (a) scavenge free radicals (b) inhibit proliferation (c) decrease IL-8 levels and (d) regulate nuclear factor-kappa B in epithelial colon cancer (HT29) and prostate (PC3) cancer cells. All herbal infusions exhibited antiradical activity correlated positevely with total phenolic content. Further, infusions exhibited the potential to inhibit cell proliferation and to reduce IL-8 levels in HT29 colon and PC3 prostate cancer cells. The molecular target for chamomile in HT29 seemed to be the NF-κB, while for the other herbal infusions needs to be identified. This study is the first to show the potential chemopreventive activity of infusions prepared from the examined herbs.

Analysis of Naturally Occurring Phenolic Compounds in Aromatic Plants by RP-HPLC Coupled to Diode Array Detector (DAD) and GC-MS after Silylation.

The following aromatic plants of Greek origin, Origanum dictamnus (dictamus), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Origanum vulgare L. (oregano), Mellisa officinalis L. (balm mint) and Sideritis cretica (mountain tea), were examined for the content of phenolic substances. Reversed phase HPLC coupled to diode array detector (DAD) was used for the analysis of the plant extracts. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method (GC-MS) was also used for identification of phenolic compounds after silylation. The most abundant phenolic acids were: gallic acid (1.5–2.6 mg/100 g dry sample), ferulic acid (0.34–6.9 mg/100 g dry sample) and caffeic acid (1.0–13.8 mg/100 g dry sample). (+)-Catechin and (−)-epicatechin were the main flavonoids identified in oregano and mountain tea. Quercetin was detected only in eucalyptus and mountain tea.

Characterization of urinary bioactive phenolic metabolites excreted after consumption of a cup of mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry

A nutrition experiment was performed for studying the bioavailability of polyphenols from Sideritis with healthy human subjects, who consumed a standardized Sideritis decoction after which urine was collected and analyzed. 35 polyphenolic compounds in the ingested decoction and 63 of their metabolites in urine collected after ingestion were identified using HPLC/MSn. It was shown that polyphenols present in Sideritis decoction are extensively conjugated to glucuronides, sulfates and also transformed to methylated forms after oral administration. In the analyzed urine samples, 31 different metabolites of hypolaetin, methylhypolaetin, isoscutellarein, methylisoscutellarein and apigenin, and 32 phenolic acids metabolites were detected, hypolaetin and isoscutellarein metabolites being the most abundant. This enabled polyphenols metabolites patterns to be obtained, which is a crucial step towards revealing the bioavailability and metabolism of phenolic compounds from Sideritis in human. The identification and structure elucidation of these metabolites provided essential data for further studies of Sideritis polyphenols bioavailability.

Gathering “tea” – from necessity to connectedness with nature. Local knowledge about wild plant gathering in the Biosphere Reserve Grosses Walsertal (Austria)

BackgroundWild plant gathering is an essential element in livelihood strategies all over the world. However due to changing circumstances in Europe, the reason for gathering has altered from one of necessity in the past to a pleasurable activity today. Wild plant gathering has therefore also received renewed attention as a form of intangible cultural heritage expressing local preferences, habits and man’s relationship with nature.In the Biosphere Reserve Grosses Walsertal (Austria), local people’s knowledge of the gathering of wild plants and their perception of their own gathering activities are being documented. The focus of this paper is on the uses of herbal teas and the informal guidelines for gathering plants that have been issued by the Bergtee (mountain tea) association.MethodsThirty-six free-list interviews were conducted with subsequent semi-structured interviews and three focus group meetings held with members of the Bergtee association. Participatory observation (gathering and processing plants, mixing and marketing tea) also allowed for greater understanding of what had been reported.ResultsIn total, 140 different gathered plant species were listed by respondents. Herbal tea is the most frequently mentioned use. The Bergtee association, founded by a young man and two middle-aged women in the valley, is a good example of the link between biological and cultural diversity, with the aim of sharing the biosphere reserve’s natural treasures as well as local plant-related knowledge in the form of herbal tea products. The association’s informal guidelines for gathering reflect people’s attitude to nature: monetary income does not play a major role in gathering plants; instead people’s appreciation of the value of the nature around them is to the fore.ConclusionsGathering wild plants can be seen as an expression of people’s regional identity. The conscious appreciation of nature and related local knowledge is crucial for the sustainable conservation and use of the Biosphere Reserve’s resources.

GABAA receptor modulation by the volatile fractions of Sideritis species used as ‘Greek’ or ‘Turkish’ mountain tea

ABSTRACTSideritis spp. is a member of the Labiateae family, used in traditional folk medicine and as a calming tea preparation. Dichloromethane extracts of the aerial parts of four Sideritis species were prepared, and the volatile fractions were separated via solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation distillation. In vitro electrophysiological techniques were used to investigate the physiological effects of these aroma extracts on ionotropic γ‐aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA) in comparison to extracts of Lavandula spp. (lavender) obtained by the same approach. The plant extracts of Sideritis spp. and Lavandula spp. increased the maximal current responses gated by the agonist GABA, both in whole cell patch clamp recordings as well as in two electrode voltage clamp assays. Thereby, the volatile fractions caused a dose‐dependent enhancement of GABAergic currents. Differences in activity between the various species were probably due to variations in odorant composition, either on a qualitative or quantitative basis. Thus, the plant material contains volatile organic compounds, which are able to modulate a GABA‐mediated response and thereby possibly contribute to a sedative effect in vivo. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Supercritical and Conventional Sideritis scardica Griseb., Lamiaceae Extracts

Sideritis scardica Griseb., Lamiaceae (ironwort, mountain tea), an endemic plant of the Balkan Peninsula, has been used in traditional medicine in the treatment of antimicrobial infections, gastrointestinal complaints, inflammation and rheumatic disorders. This study reports a comparison between conventional (hydrodistillation HD and solvent extraction SE) and alternative (supercritical carbon dioxide SC CO2) extraction methods regarding the qualitative and quantitative composition of the obtained extracts as analyzed by GC and GC-MS techniques and their anitimicrobial activity. Different types of extracts were tested, the essential oil EO obtained by HD, EO-CO2 and AO-CO2 obtained by SC CO2 at different preasures 10 and 30 MPa, at 40 °C, respectively, and the fractions A, B, C and D obtained by successive solvent extraction (SE) A: ethanol, B: diethyl ether, C: ethyl acetate and D: n-butanol). While EO was characterized by the presence of the high percentage of oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes (30.01 and 25.54%, respectively), the rest of the investigated samples were the most abundant in fatty acids and their esters and diterpenes (from 16.72 to 71.07% for fatty acids and their esters, and from 23.30 to 72.76%, for diterpenes). Microbial susceptibility tests revealed the strong to moderate activity of all investigated extracts against the tested microorganisms (MIC from 40 to 2,560 μg/mL). Although differences in the chemical compositions determined by GC and GC-MS analysis were established, the displayed antimicrobial activity was similar for the all investigated extracts.

Simultaneous determination of polyphenols and major purine alkaloids in Greek Sideritis species, herbal extracts, green tea, black tea, and coffee by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detection

Herein, a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 15 phenolic antioxidants: flavan-3-ols, (-)-epigallocatechin, (+)-catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epicatechin gallate, (-)-gallocatechin, a phenolic acid (gallic acid), a hydroxycinnamic acid (chlorogenic acid), flavones (apigenin), flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin), and purine alkaloids (caffeine theophylline, theobromine) in different herb extracts, tea, and coffee varieties. The developed method was validated and successfully applied in order to determine the polyphenolic content to estimate the antioxidant activity of the Sideritis species commonly known as Greek mountain tea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the quantitative determination of catechins and other polyphenols in Greek mountain tea. Acidic hydrolysis was necessary for the simultaneous determination of the aglycones of the target analytes. According to our results, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, apigenin, catechin, and epicatechin gallate are found in the Sideritis species.

Anti-inflammatory, Gastroprotective, and Cytotoxic Effects ofSideritis scardicaExtracts

Sideritis scardica Griseb. (ironwort, mountain tea), an endemic plant of the Balkan Peninsula, has been used in traditional medicine in the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, inflammation, and rheumatic disorders. This study aimed to evaluate its gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. Besides, continuously increasing interest in assessing the role of the plant active constituents preventing the risk of cancer was a reason to make a detailed examination of the investigated ethanol, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and N-butanol extracts regarding cytotoxicity. Oral administration of the investigated extracts caused a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect in a model of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. Gastroprotective activity of the extracts was investigated using an ethanol-induced acute stress ulcer in rats. The cytotoxic activity of plant extracts was assessed on PBMC, B16, and HL-60 cells and compared to the cytotoxicity of phenolic compounds identified in extracts. Apoptotic and necrotic cell death were analyzed by double staining with fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated annexin V and PI. The developed HPLC method enabled qualitative fingerprint analysis of phenolic compounds in the investigated extracts. Compared to the effect of the positive control, the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacine (4 mg/kg), which produced a 50 % decrease in inflammation, diethyl ether and N-butanol extracts exhibited about the same effect in doses of 200 and 100 mg/kg (53.6 and 48.7 %; 48.4 and 49.9 %, respectively). All investigated extracts produced dose-dependent gastroprotective activity with the efficacy comparable to that of the reference drug ranitidine. The diethyl ether extract showed significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity on B16 cells and HL-60 cells, decreasing cell growth to 51.3 % and 77.5 % of control, respectively, when used at 100 µg/mL. It seems that phenolic compounds (apigenin, luteolin, and their corresponding glycosides) are responsible for the diethyl ether extract cytotoxic effect. It also appears that induction of oxidative stress might be involved in its cytotoxicity, since B16 and HL-60 cells increased their ROS production in response to treatment with diethyl ether extract. Neither of the tested extracts nor any phenolic compounds showed significant cytotoxic effect to human PBMC. These results demonstrated the potent anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities, as well as the promising cytotoxicity.

Phytochemical composition of “mountain tea” from Sideritis clandestina subsp. clandestina and evaluation of its behavioral and oxidant/antioxidant effects on adult mice

The goals of this study were to monitor the effect of drinking of herbal tea from Sideritis clandestina subsp. clandestina for 6 weeks on behavioral and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of adult male mice and also to evaluate its phytochemical composition. The phytochemical profile of the Sideritis tea was determined by liquid chromatography-UV diode array coupled to ion-trap mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization interface. The effects of two doses of the herbal infusion (2 and 4% w/v, daily) intake on anxiety-like state in mice were studied by the assessment of their thigmotactic behavior. The oxidant/antioxidant status of brain (-Ce), liver and heart of adult male Balb-c mice following the consumption of Sideritis tea was also evaluated via the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels using fluorometric assays. Our study was further extended to determine the antioxidant effects of the herbal tea on specific brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum and midbrain). The identified compounds were classified into several natural product classes: quinic acid derivatives, iridoids, phenylethanol glycosides and flavonoids. Our results showed that only the 4% Sideritis tea exhibited anxiolytic-like properties as evidenced by statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the thigmotaxis time and increase in the number of entries to the central zone in comparison with the control group. Consumption of both tea doses (2 and 4% w/v) elevated GSH (12 and 28%, respectively, p < 0.05) and decreased MDA (16 and 29%, p < 0.05) levels in brain (-Ce), while liver and heart remained unaffected. In regard to the effect of herbal tea drinking (2 and 4% w/v) on specific brain regions, it caused a significant increase in GSH of cerebellum (13 and 36%, respectively, p < 0.05) and midbrain (17 and 36%, p < 0.05). Similarly, MDA levels were decreased in cerebellum (45 and 79%, respectively, p < 0.05) and midbrain (50 and 63%, respectively, p < 0.05), whereas cerebral cortex remained unaffected. Mountain tea drinking prevents anxiety-related behaviors and confers antioxidant protection to rodent's tissues in a region-specific, dose-dependent manner, and its phytochemical constituents are shown for the first time.

Effects of Sideritis euboea (Lamiaceae) Aqueous Extract on IL-6, OPG and RANKL Secretion by Osteoblasts

The water extract obtained from the aerial parts of Sideritis euboea (Lamiaceae), which is known in Greece as 'mountain tea', was investigated by determining the in vitro effect of this extract on the IL-6, OPG and RANKL secretion by osteoblasts, three important molecules in osteoblast-osteoclast interplay. The results showed that this extract reduced significantly the secretion of IL-6 by KS-483 osteoblasts, while it also suppressed RANKL secretion, with both effects being dose-dependent and more potent at the higher concentrations tested (50, 100 microg/mL). We further determined the chemical profile of the extract by applying an analytical U-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS method using the high resolution hybrid LTQ-Orbitrap Discovery spectrometer. An ESI source in negative mode was employed. The analysis indicated that the water extract of S. euboea is rich in flavonoid glycosides, and phenylpropanoid glycosides.

Dietary Burden of Phenolics per Serving of “Mountain Tea” (Sideritis) from Macedonia and Correlation to Antioxidant Activity

This work was afforded from 2 points of view, phytochemical evaluation and relation to antioxidant activity and dietary burden of phenolics of a cup of "Mountain tea", a drink obtained by domestic infusion of Sideritis. Phytochemically, two extraction protocols using water and methanol as solvent were used for comparison. Methanol and boiling water extracts (by domestic infusion procedure) showed that extracts were rich in bound forms of phenolics such as hydroxycinnamic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides and flavonoid glycosides. The total phenolic content for Sideritis species ranged around 190 mg per serving (2 g infusion bag) for methanol extracts and around 72 mg per serving in water extracts. Among the two different Macedonian Sideritis species, Sideritis raeseri (wild growing) showed the highest phenolics content in both extracts (212 mg and 89 mg per serving, respectively). Concerning the phenolic content in the different aerial parts, leaf was the richest plant organ in phenolics followed by flower and stem with the lowest amount. The methanol extract from Sideritis raeseri (wild growing) showed the highest antioxidant capacity as shown by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The antioxidant capacity was linearly correlated with phenolic content. Nutritionally, the dietary burden of phenolics of a "Mountain tea" bag for domestic infusion (serving size) was established at 89 mg for an homogeneous and equal distribution of the different aerial parts (leaf, flower and stem). However, and according to our results a rate of 60% leaf and 40% flower would increase the content of bioavailable phenolics and also the total phenolics content of a serving bag of "Mountain tea".

Protective effect of Sideritis euboea extract on bone mineral density and strength of ovariectomized rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of Sideritis euboea extract (SID), commonly consumed as "mountain tea," on bone mineral density (BMD) and the strength of the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis. Thirty-two 10-month-old Wistar rats were separated into controls (sham operated), OVX, and OVX plus SID in their drinking water (dose, 330 mg/kg body weight per day), starting immediately after OVX for 6 months. Tibial BMD at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post-OVX, three-point-bending of the femur, and body and uterine weight at the study end were examined. BMD percentage change from baseline of the whole tibia was similar in control and OVX + SID rats at 3 months (-3.02% vs -4.67%, P = not significant), revealing a strong osteoprotective effect. At 6 months, the corresponding changes were -6.02% versus -14.37%, P < 0.05, indicating a greater bone loss in treated rats, albeit significantly less than the OVX change (-20.46%; OVX vs OVX + SID, P < 0.05). The proximal (metaphyseal) tibial BMD percentage change from baseline to 3 and 6 months between the OVX and OVX + SID groups (-26.47% vs -15.57% and -31.22% vs -16.57%, respectively) was statistically significant, demonstrating that SID preserved the proximal tibial BMD of the OVX + SID group significantly. Three-point-bending showed a significant increase in the treated compared with the OVX groups. Body and uterine weights were similar in the OVX and treated groups. SID significantly protected tibial bone loss and improved femoral biomechanical strength in OVX + SID rats compared with OVX rats.

Essential oil composition of twenty-two Stachys species (mountain tea) and their biological activities

The essential oils from twenty-two different Stachys species were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Thirty-nine compounds, which accounted for 70.5–97.8% of the total composition of the oils, have been identified. Germacrene-D (2.9–45.3%), β-caryophyllene (2.3–62.3%), caryophyllene oxide (trace to 7.8%), spathulenol (trace to 7.8%) and α-cadinene (1.4–8.5%) have been identified as the main components of the essential oils. Antimicrobial assessments of the essential oils were evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans by disc diffusion method. Most of the essential oils showed moderate activity against the studied microorganisms.

Differential Antioxidant Effects of Consuming Tea fromSideritis clandestinasubsp.peloponnesiacaon Cerebral Regions of Adult Mice

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Many species of the genus Sideritis (mountain tea) are widely consumed in the Mediterranean region as herbal tea. This study evaluated the effect of supplementation of mice with herbal tea from Sideritis clandestina subsp. peloponnesiaca on the antioxidant status of different brain regions. To select the most bioactive herbal tea, the polyphenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method) and the antioxidant properties (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays) of several taxa and different populations of the S. clandestina infusions were measured in vitro. Male adult mice had ad libitum access to water (control) or the herbal tea (4% w/v) for 6 weeks. At the end of the treatment period we assessed the total antioxidant power (FRAP assay) and the levels of malondialdehyde (indicator of lipid peroxidation) and reduced glutathione in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and midbrain. These biochemical measures have also been determined in liver samples used as a comparative reference peripheral tissue. Consumption of 4% herbal tea increased the total antioxidant power of the midbrain by 72% (P<.05); a significant (P<.05) decrease in malondialdehyde levels and increase in reduced glutathione content of the cerebellum (78% and 27%, respectively) and midbrain (59% and 32%, respectively) were also observed. These findings indicate that mountain tea consumption enhances the antioxidant defense of the adult rodent brain in a region-specific manner.

Spasmolytic Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Sideritis raeseri spp. raeseri Boiss. &amp; Heldr. on the Isolated Rat Ileum Contractions

Sideritis raeseri spp. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr., known as "mountain tea," has been widely used in the Mediterranean region as a spice and in folk medicine as a very popular decoction because of its anti-inflammatory, carminative, analgesic, antitussive, stomachic, and antimicrobial properties. The study was aimed to investigate the effects of an ethanol extract of S. raeseri on intestinal activity. Air-dried and powdered aerial parts were extracted with 96% ethanol. The rat ileum preparations were incubated in Tyrode's solution gassed (95% O(2)/5% CO(2)) at 37°C. The ethanol extract of S. raeseri (0.03-0.3 mg/mL) relaxed spontaneous contractions in isolated rat ileum, similar to that produced by papaverine. The plant extract in a concentration-dependent manner (0.015-0.15 mg/mL) significantly inhibited the contractile response to acetylcholine (P<.01). Atropine inhibited the response to acetylcholine. A similar relaxation-inducing effect of the S. raeseri extract was observed on the precontracted ileum by histamine and barium chloride. Plant extract (0.03-0.3 mg/mL) significantly shifted the histamine concentration-response curve to the right and down (P<.01). The S. raeseri extract (0.03-0.3 mg/mL) significantly inhibited the contractions induced by barium chloride (P<.01). The results show that the ethanol extract of S. raeseri can produce inhibition of the the spontaneous rat ileum contractions and contractions induced by different spasmogens. These data indicate that S. raeseri acts as a spasmolytic on intestinal smooth muscle, which justifies its use in gastrointestinal disorders.

THE COMPOSITION OF ESSENTIAL OILS OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF LAUREL, MOUNTAIN TEA, SAGE AND AJOWAN

Oils obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed by using gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry. 1,8-Cineole (51.05% and 52.79%) and α-terpinyl acetate (13.94% and 14.72%) were the main components from the essential oil of the stem and leaves of laurel, respectively. 1,8- Cineole (25.72%) and (E)-β-ocimene (24.88%) were the major compounds present in the essential oil of fruit. The main constituents of Salvia fruticosa oil were α-pinene (31.50%) and isoborneol (27.17%). β-pinene (20.53%), α-pinene (14.88%), cubebol (15.17%) and δ-cadinene (12.99%) were detected as the major constituents of mountain tea (sample A). The principal components detected in the oil of sample B were β-pinene (20.29%), α-pinene (14.82%) and 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene (13.99%). The major compounds of ajowan oil had p-cymene (33.06%), γ-terpinene (28.66%), thymol (24.11%) and β-pinene (6.74%). The essential oil of Carum copticum was characterized by its high content of p-cymene (33.06%). PRACTICAL APPLICATION Laurel leaves are commonly used as a spicy, aromatic flavoring for soups, fish, meats, stews, puddings, vinegars and beverages, and form an essential ingredient of the herb mix. The essential oil is used by the cosmetic industry in creams, perfumes and soaps. In addition, the dried leaves of Salvia fruticosa are commonly consumed as a herbal tea in Turkey. Sideritis species are a group of plants known as “high plateau tea” in Turkey. Also, these genera are characterized mainly by the occurrence of phenolic compounds and terpenoids. Ajowan fruits are an important commercial product for the food/flavoring industry.

Spray drying of the mountain tea ( Sideritis stricta) water extract by using different hydrocolloid carriers

The water extract of the mountain tea was spray-dried by using different food hydrocolloids viz. β-cyclodextrin ( BCD), arabic gum ( AG), and maltodextrins ( MD19 and MD12) as carrier materials. Powdered samples were then subjected to product yield, moisture content, water activity, bulk density, solubility, color ( Lab) and SEM particle microstructure analyses. Furthermore, color ( Lab), turbidity ( NTU), total phenolic content ( TPC), total antioxidant activity ( TAA) and volatile compound (β -pinene) analyses were performed on the reconstituted mountain tea samples. The product yield increased with the addition of the carrier materials whereas decreased at higher drying temperatures. The inlet air temperature of 155 °C provided the better retention for β-pinene. Almost all physicochemical properties of the spray-dried mountain tea samples were significantly ( P < 0.05) affected by the inlet air temperature, the type and concentration of the carrier materials.

Phenolic Compounds of Mountain Tea from the Balkans: LC/DAD/ESI/MSn Profile and Content

Twenty-one samples of Sideritis species (S. scardica, S. raeseri, S. taurica, S. syriaca and S. perfoliata) from various locations on the Balkan Peninsula were evaluated for their chemical constituents. Chemical analyses were focused on secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic compounds, which have several roles in the plant physiological processes and have demonstrated significant health beneficial effects. The occurrence of hydroxycinnamic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides and flavonoids has been investigated in taxonomically related taxa of the genus Sideritis. A systematic method for phenolic compounds identification was developed using tandem mass spectrometry coupled to high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Scanning for precursor ions of commonly found phenolics in Sideritis species using LC/MS11 with an ion trap instrument permitted the specific determination of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and phenylethanoid and flavonoid glycosides. Further characterization of each phenolic compound was performed using MS/MS product-ion analysis and common-neutral-loss analysis. This on-line technique allowed identification of three hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, eight phenylethanoid glycosides, and twenty-four flavonoid glycosides. All the taxa analysed produced very similar phenolic patterns characterized by the presence of 5-caffeoylquinic acid, lavandulifolioside, verbascoside, hypolaetin 7-O-[6'''-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1-->2)glucoside, apigenin 7-(4"-p-coumaroylglucoside), 4'-O-methylisoscutellarein 7-O-[6'''-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1-->2)glucoside, and minor amounts of isoverbascoside, apigenin 7-O-allosyl(1-->2)glucoside, isoscutellarein 7-O-allosyl-(1-->2)-[6"-O-acetyl]-glucoside, hypolaetin 7-O-allosyl-(1-->2)-[6"-O-acetyl]-glucoside and 4'-O-methylhypolaetin 7-O-[6'''-O-acetyl]-allosyl-(1-->2)-[6"-O-acetyl]-glucoside. These results show that the investigated species are systematically very closely related. Phenylethanoid glycosides and flavonoid acetylglycosides are dominant and constitute 90% of the total phenolic compounds compared with hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid 7-O-glycosides. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed for the nature and content of the different compounds to be correlated to the particular Sideritis species and also to the locations.