Plant Infusions Research Articles

English

Infusions of Peumus boldus Molina, Cynara cardunculus L., Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl and Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk are recommended in Portugal to reduce serum cholesterol levels, among other effects. Volunteers drinking these infusions showed plasma total cholesterol reductions of 14% with Pterospartum boldus and 22% with P. tridentatum. C. cardunculus mixed with F. angustifolia or P. tridentatum resulted in 13% reduction. Knowing that these infusions were able to cause a small reduction in the hypercholesterolemia values, the aim of this study was to determine whether this effect was due to the inhibition of the dietary cholesterol absorption and/or to the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, this last hypothesis means that the infusions could act as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The intestinal permeability of cholesterol was studied in Caco-2 cell monolayers and 50 to 60% inhibition was obtained with P. boldus and P. tridentatus. The use of C. cardunculus and F. angustifolia could be explained, mainly by the inhibition of the cholesterol biosynthesis. Both ways of reducing cholesterol could be explained by the presence of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives present in these infusions.   Key words: Serum cholesterol, plant infusions, Caco-2 permeability, HMG-CoA reductase, boldine, chlorogenic acid, C-glycosilated flavonoids.

Comparative evaluation of the activity of plant infusions against Helicobacter pylori strains by three methods

The aim of the study was to assess the activities of six plant infusions against Helicobacter pylori strains using a comparative screening assay (CSA), agar-well diffusion method (AWDM) and microscopy. Green tea, St John's wort (SJW), rooibos, peppermint, chamomile and lime flower aqueous infusion concentrations were chosen to mimic those in herbal teas/tisanes. CSA concentrations were 4.5 mg ml⁻¹ for chamomile and 6.8 mg ml⁻¹ for the other agents. AWDM amounts were 0.4 mg/well for the chamomile and 0.6 mg/well for the other agents. Using CSA, ≥8 × 10⁴ colony forming unit reduction was found in >60 % of the strains by the green tea (81.5 %), SJW (75.9 %) and rooibos (63.0 %) within 2 h. Similarly, by AWDM, the activity against >60 % of the strains was found by the green tea, SJW and rooibos. Gram staining results were alike, showing mostly/only coccoids in >66 % of the strains by the same three agents within 2 h. Lime flowers showed the lowest activity by all methods. In conclusion, CSA allows comparing the activities of many agents against numerous strains. To our knowledge, these are the first data about rooibos and lime flower activities against H. pylori. All the three methods revealed that the most active agents were the green tea, SJW and rooibos, which also possess additional beneficial properties, e.g. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects, therefore these plants may have a beneficial use as prophylactic agents against or adjuvants in the therapy of H. pylori infection.

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Linden (Tilia platyphyllos L.) Infusion Against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of infusion prepared from linden flowers (LF) against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant role of the plant's infusion against ethanol-induced oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring liver damage serum biomarkers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, total albumin, and total cholesterol level; ADS such as GSH, GR, SOD, GST, CAT and GPx, and MDA contents in various tissues of rats. Rats were divided into four experimental groups: I (control), II (20% ethanol), III (2% LF), and IV (20% ethanol+2% LF). According to the results, the level of serum marker enzymes, AST and LDH, was significantly increased in group alcohol and group LF as compared to control group, whereas decreased in group IV as compared to ethanol group. With regard to MDA content and ADS constituents, MDA contents of alcohol group in all tissues, except for erythrocytes and heart, and in brain, kidney, and spleen of LF group significantly increased compared to control group, whereas LF beverage extract supplementation did not restore the increased MDA towards close the control level. In addition, while ethanol caused fluctuation in antioxidant defense system constituents level as a result of oxidative stress condition in the rats, it could have not been determined the healing effects of the LF against these fluctuations. The results indicated that LF beverage extract could not be as important as diet-derived antioxidants in preventing oxidative damage in the tissues by reducing the lipid oxidation or inhibiting the production of ethanol-induced free radicals in rats.

Daily Dose

This article explores the custom of drinking traditional maté teas in Asunción, Paraguay. My discussion is founded in fieldwork completed throughout Paraguay’s winter months from June to September 2011. Maté is a tea-like infusion of the yerba maté plant, which is indigenous to Paraguay and the surrounding region. This article takes an anthropological approach to maté drinking, and includes the perspectives of the market vendors who sell plant infusions for this tea, and with whom I conducted interviews during my fieldwork. In doing so, I position maté drinking in the contexts of both custom and as a method of taking traditional medicines within the social, cultural, and economic realities of Asunción.

P.6.e.004 Glutamate and GABA alterations in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in nicotine dependence

The term “nervios” is referred as a folk illness recognized by Mexican Traditional Medicine, and also widely reported across many countries in Latin America. “Nervios” are characterized by a “state of bodily and mental unrest”, which decreases the ability to achieve daily goals. The causes are varied; in fact, any situation that alters the emotional state or mood is interpreted as a possible triggering agent. Depression and anxiety are psychiatric disorders, which share symptoms, or can be included in the same group of disorders with “nervios”. The therapies are designed to reassure health, i.e. “calm the nerves”. For this propose, the oral administration of plants infusions is common. In this review we compile information regarding the plants used for the treatment of “nervios” in México, along with those for which reports of anxiolytic or/and antidepressive activity exist. We found 92 plant species used in folk medicine for the treatment of “nervios”, among these, sixteen have been studied experimentally. The most studied plant is Galphimia glauca Cav., Malpighiaceae, which current clinical studies have validated its efficacy in patients, and their active components, the triterpenes galphimine A, B, and C, identified. Inter-estingly only nine plants were found to be reported in folk medicine for the treatment of sad- ness or/and depression, but their antidepressant activity has not been investigated. However, among the plants used in folk medicine for treatment of “nervios”, several, as Litsea glaucescens Kunth, Lauraceae, have been proven to show antidepressant activity in experimental models, and some of their active compounds have been determined. These species could be a potential source of compounds with activity in the central nervous system.

P.6.e.001 Decision-making, affective temperament and cognitive function in patients with alcohol or opiate dependence

The term “nervios” is referred as a folk illness recognized by Mexican Traditional Medicine, and also widely reported across many countries in Latin America. “Nervios” are characterized by a “state of bodily and mental unrest”, which decreases the ability to achieve daily goals. The causes are varied; in fact, any situation that alters the emotional state or mood is interpreted as a possible triggering agent. Depression and anxiety are psychiatric disorders, which share symptoms, or can be included in the same group of disorders with “nervios”. The therapies are designed to reassure health, i.e. “calm the nerves”. For this propose, the oral administration of plants infusions is common. In this review we compile information regarding the plants used for the treatment of “nervios” in México, along with those for which reports of anxiolytic or/and antidepressive activity exist. We found 92 plant species used in folk medicine for the treatment of “nervios”, among these, sixteen have been studied experimentally. The most studied plant is Galphimia glauca Cav., Malpighiaceae, which current clinical studies have validated its efficacy in patients, and their active components, the triterpenes galphimine A, B, and C, identified. Inter-estingly only nine plants were found to be reported in folk medicine for the treatment of sad- ness or/and depression, but their antidepressant activity has not been investigated. However, among the plants used in folk medicine for treatment of “nervios”, several, as Litsea glaucescens Kunth, Lauraceae, have been proven to show antidepressant activity in experimental models, and some of their active compounds have been determined. These species could be a potential source of compounds with activity in the central nervous system.

P.6.d.006 Aripiprazole plus topiramate in opioid-dependent patients with schizoaffective disorder: evidence from a pilot study

The term “nervios” is referred as a folk illness recognized by Mexican Traditional Medicine, and also widely reported across many countries in Latin America. “Nervios” are characterized by a “state of bodily and mental unrest”, which decreases the ability to achieve daily goals. The causes are varied; in fact, any situation that alters the emotional state or mood is interpreted as a possible triggering agent. Depression and anxiety are psychiatric disorders, which share symptoms, or can be included in the same group of disorders with “nervios”. The therapies are designed to reassure health, i.e. “calm the nerves”. For this propose, the oral administration of plants infusions is common. In this review we compile information regarding the plants used for the treatment of “nervios” in México, along with those for which reports of anxiolytic or/and antidepressive activity exist. We found 92 plant species used in folk medicine for the treatment of “nervios”, among these, sixteen have been studied experimentally. The most studied plant is Galphimia glauca Cav., Malpighiaceae, which current clinical studies have validated its efficacy in patients, and their active components, the triterpenes galphimine A, B, and C, identified. Inter-estingly only nine plants were found to be reported in folk medicine for the treatment of sad- ness or/and depression, but their antidepressant activity has not been investigated. However, among the plants used in folk medicine for treatment of “nervios”, several, as Litsea glaucescens Kunth, Lauraceae, have been proven to show antidepressant activity in experimental models, and some of their active compounds have been determined. These species could be a potential source of compounds with activity in the central nervous system.

Anencephaly in twin pregnancy: a series of 6 cases

To report a series of cases of anencephaly in twin pregnancies and assess the prognosis of the normal twin. Retrospective study covering 4 years, at the CHU Campus in Lomé, assessing the sonographic aspects and management of cases of anencephaly in twin pregnancies. Anencephaly was found in 6 twin pregnancies. The mothers' mean age was 31 years and all had a very low socioeconomic status. All had drunk a plant infusion of an unknown chemical composition in early pregnancy. Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 25 weeks. Ultrasound performed in all cases showed that 5 cases involved monochorionic diamniotic placentas, and 1 case a dichorionic placenta. Both fetuses were alive at diagnosis in all cases: one had anencephaly and the other twin was normal. The average estimated weight of the anencephalic twin at diagnosis was 659 grams, and of the normal twin, 749 grams; growth was thus discordant. Hydramnios was noted in all cases. Expectant monitoring was instituted; both twins died before 30 weeks in 4 cases. Anencephaly in twin pregnancy is a rare occurrence. Ultrasound can be involved in the diagnosis and management.

Antimicrobial Activity of Plants Infusions on Oral Fusobacteria and their Adherence to Human Erythrocytes

Periodontal disease is the result of the interrelationship between microbiotic aggression and the host’s organic defence. Amongst the microorganisms involved in periodontopathies, Fusobacterium nucleatum is conspicuous by establishing a link between the initial and final colonizers, besides producing toxic compounds and adhering to the host’s cells. Control of bacterial biofilm can be achieved by use of chemical agents, many of which extracted from plants. Thus the object of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity in vitro of some teas, generally taken in a normal diet, on Fusobacterium nucleatum and your adherence to host’s cells. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were established and haemagglutinative test in microplaques was effected. It was ascertained that all plant extracts have inhibitory activity and that infusions of Camellia sinensis (black tea and green tea), Mentha piperita (mint) and Pimpinella anixem (aniseed) added to the bacteria/erythrocyte compound reduced significantly the adherence of microorganisms. Keywords: Dental Plaque; Periodontitis; Disease Prevention; Plant Extracts; Hemagglutination; Cell Adhesion.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Water Infusion Plant-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

Phytochemical analysis revealed that the infusion of Rumex dentatus is rich in flavonoids, phenolics, reducing sugars and total sugars. The plant infusion found to possess a significant antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract of Rumex dentatus has been used as a green reducing and stabilizing agent in addition to its desirable biological activity. The biosynthesis of reduced silver nanoparticles was very fast, and silver nanoparticles were synthesized by exposure of a mixture of different ratios of 4 mM AgNO3 and Rumex dentatus aqueous extract to UV-irradiation at room temperature. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed reduction of Ag+ ions and formation of silver nanoparticles. Varied morphology of the bioreduced silver nanoparticles was recorded. On contrast to the main plant infusion, the resulting silver nanoparticles were found to possess wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity increasing proportionally with the increase of the concentration of the silver nanoparticles against wide variety of bacterial and fungal pathogenic strains.

Antioxidant Properties of Medicinal Plants from Peru

There is a wide diversity of plants and seasonal crops in Peru, due to the presence of many climatic zones. Numerous plants are used to cure or prevent diseases. These plants are promising candidates for functional foods products. The most frequent form in which they are used is an aqueous infusion or decoction. In this study, we compared the antioxidant properties of ten Peruvian plants infusions and investigated their relation to the phenolic content. The studied plants were: Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw), Lepidium meyenii (maca), Berberis vulgaris L. (barberry, agracejo), Phyllantus niruri (chanca piedra), Annona muricata L. (graviola, soursop), Gentianella alborosea (hercampure), Geranium dielsianum (pasuchaca), Tabebuia ochracea (tahuari), Notholaena nivea (“cuti cuti”) and Tiquilia paronychioides (“flor de arena”). Infusions of all studied plants have shown antioxidant activity, though there was a large diversity between the results. The antioxidant properties, determined with DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays as well as FRAP test, were strongly correlated with total phenolic content, while there was no correlation with the carotenoid content.

Volatile compounds and antioxidant activity of the aromatic herb Anethum graveolens

Background/Aim Anethum graveolens L. (dill) (Apiaceae) is one of the most popular culinary herbs in the world. Dill has been cultivated since ancient times, and the use of this plant for medicinal and consumption purposes has been recorded dating back to the Greek and Egyptian civilizations. Dill is widely used to give flavor to food. The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition of the volatile compounds in dill as well as their hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity against free radicals generated by paracetamol. Materials and methods The chemical composition of the volatile compounds of dill was assessed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Four groups of rats were used (the normal control group, the A. graveolens-supplemented group, the paracetamol-intoxicated group, and the A. graveolens-protected group) for studying the effect of plant infusion on panadol (paracetamol)-induced free radicals and hepatotoxicity. Plasma total antioxidant capacity, plasma catalase, cellular glutathione peroxidase, plasma total protein, albumin, alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphate, γ-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels were determined. In addition, kidney functions (plasma urea and creatinine) and histopathological and histochemical changes in the liver were investigated. Results The phytochemical results identified volatile components 7-α-hydroxy manool (24.43%), l-carvone (14.28%), limonene (13.9%), epi-α-bisabolol (6.81%), α-terpinene (5.44%), and α-phellandrene (4.63%) as the main constituents. p-Cymene (2.13%), sabinene (1.98), and α-pinene (1.43%) were determined as the minor constituents. The biochemical results showed that a mega dose of paracetamol induced the production of free radicals, which caused damage to hepatocytes and nephrocytes in rats. The aqueous extract of dill revealed high antioxidant properties and acted as an extracellular neutralizer of free radicals. Histopathological and histochemical observations showed severe damage in the liver. Supplementation with dill in paracetamol-intoxicated rats attenuated the damage to the liver. Conclusion The present study revealed that A. graveolens has antihepatotoxic properties that could minimize the deleterious effects generated by hepatotoxin paracetamol, and therefore it can be used as a potent antihepatotoxic agent.

The inhibitory effect of plant infusions on selected bacteria

The present study determined the inhibitory patterns of the water and ethanol infusions of garden rhubarb, sea buckthorn, bilberry, blue-berried honeysuckle, black currant and tomato on targeted bacterial species. The larger inhibition zones against more than four different bacterial species were measured in case of ethanol infusions of garden rhubarb root, blue-berried honeysuckle and sea buckthorn. In case of water infusions the stronger inhibitory effect was found for garden rhubarb root, black currant and blue-berried honeysuckle. It was found that L. acidophilus, K. rhizophila and B. subtilis were the most susceptible bacteria in relation of ethanol infusions of studied plants, whereas the growth of K. rhizophila, B. subtilis and C. jejuni were most inhibited by water infusions. In accordance with present in vitro study, we conclude that the garden rhubarb and blue-berried honeysuckle are attractive candidates for food industries as natural antimicrobial additives in foods.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ct.61.3.2662

Study of the ventral prostate of Wistar rats treated with Heteropterys tomentosa (A. Juss.)

Heteropterys tomentosa is a Brazilian plant traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and stimulant. Previous studies suggested possible androgenic and antioxidant effects after long term administration of H. tomentosa infusion. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of this plant infusion on the rat ventral prostate: an androgen responsive organ. Wistar rats were treated, by gavage, with H. tomentosa roots infusion (treated group, n=6) or water (control group, n=6) for 56 days. Morphological, morphometrical and stereological analyses were employed to study the ventral prostate tissue, as well as androgen receptor and apoptotic cell staining. The ultrastructure of the prostatic epithelium was also analyzed. No alteration was observed in the stereological and morphometrical analyses. The pattern of androgen receptor expression and the apoptotic index were identical in the control and treated group. Ultrastructural analysis showed no alterations caused by H. tomentosa. These results suggested that treatment with H. tomentosa infusion, although considered a strong aphrodisiac, did not cause any major damage nor benefit to the prostate tissue.

Natural radioactivity determination in samples of Peperomia pellucida commonly used as a medicinal herb

The concentration of 238U, 232Th, 230Th, 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb were determined in samples of Peperomia pellucida and in the surrounding soil, by alpha spectrometry and gross alpha and beta counting. The radionuclide activity concentrations ranged from 4.3 to 38 Bq kg−1, 1.7–124 Bq kg−1, 2.1–38 Bq kg−1, 8.5–37 Bq kg−1, 3.2–46 Bq kg−1, 39–93 Bq kg−1, respectively. In the plant extractions and infusions as used for consumption, the mean recoveries were from 23% to 60% in maceration and 24–75% in infusion.

The antioxidative and antimicrobial properties of the blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), Siberian rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum L.) and some other plants, compared to ascorbic acid and sodium nitrite

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidative and antimicrobial effects of the ethanol and buffered water infusions of six different plants grown in Estonia, namely Siberian rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum L.), blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), compared to the food additives ascorbic acid (E300) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2, E250). Additionally, the content of vitamin C and the content of anthocyanins, flavonols and total polyphenols in the studied samples were estimated using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.Of the bacterial species used in present study, gram-positive bacteria were represented by Listeria monocytogenes, Kocuria rhizophila and Bacillus subtilis. Gram-negative foodborne pathogenic bacteria were represented by Escherichia coli and Campylobacter jejuni. Probiotic bacterial species, often used in dairy products, were represented by Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus.The studied plant infusions had both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The highest antioxidative effect in the buffered water infusion was found with the berries of blue honeysuckle. However, in the 30% ethanol infusions the antioxidative effect was the highest with the petioles of the Siberian rhubarb, exceeded only by the ascorbic acid solution with the concentration of 10 mg/ml. Among tested plant infusions, the roots of the Siberian rhubarb exhibited the highest antibacterial effect against all bacterial species assayed.

Infusion and decoction of wild German chamomile: Bioactivity and characterization of organic acids and phenolic compounds

Natural products represent a rich source of biologically active compounds and are an example of molecular diversity, with recognised potential in drug discovery. Herein, the methanol extract of Matricaria recutita L. (German chamomile) and its decoction and infusion (the most consumed preparations of this herb) were submitted to an analysis of phytochemicals and bioactivity evaluation. The antioxidant activity was determined by free radicals scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation; the antitumour potential was tested in human tumour cell lines (breast, lung, colon, cervical and hepatocellular carcinomas), and the hepatotoxicity was evaluated using a porcine liver primary cell culture (non-tumour cells). All the samples revealed antioxidant properties. The decoction exhibited no antitumour activity (GI50>400μg/mL) which could indicate that this bioactivity might be related to compounds (including phenolic compounds) that were not extracted or that were affected by the decoction procedure. Both plant methanol extract and infusion showed inhibitory activity to the growth of HCT-15 (GI50 250.24 and 298.23μg/mL, respectively) and HeLa (GI50 259.36 and 277.67μg/mL, respectively) cell lines, without hepatotoxicity (GI50>400μg/mL). Infusion and decoction gave higher contents of organic acids (24.42 and 23.35g/100g dw). Otherwise, the plant methanol extract contained the highest amounts of both phenolic acids (3.99g/100g dw) and flavonoids (2.59g/100g dw). The major compound found in all the preparations was luteolin O-acylhexoside. Overall, German chamomile contains important phytochemicals with bioactive properties (mainly antitumour potential selective to colon and cervical carcinoma cell lines) to be explored in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries.

Occurrence and sensory perception of Z-2-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid in rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)

Z-2-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid (PPAG), a compound postulated to contribute to the taste and mouthfeel of fermented rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis), was isolated from unfermented rooibos plant material. Its structure was unequivocally confirmed by LC–MS, –MS2, FT-IR and NMR of the underivatised natural product, and optical rotation measurements of the hydrolysed sugar moiety. A similar compound, postulated to be E-2-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid, was also detected. Analysis of the leaves of a large number of rooibos plants (n=54), sampled at commercial plantations, showed that PPAG is not ubiquitously present in detectable quantities in the leaves of different plants. This leads to large variation in the fermented plant material, infusions and food-grade extracts. PPAG was shown to have a slightly bitter to astringent taste and a detection threshold of 0.4mg/l in water.

Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Different Plant Parts from Two Erica Species

AbstractAqueous extractions from two species of Erica consumed as infusions in several countries to heal ailments were investigated for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging capacity using total antioxidant activity, ferric‐reducing antioxidant power, reducing power, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and 2‐2'‐azino‐bis(3 ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radicals, respectively. Antioxidant properties and total phenolic content differed significantly among these plants. Aqueous extracts of leaves possessed, on average, the highest antioxidant capacity and phenolic content (34.09 ± 10.81 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry weight and 30.59 ± 10.19 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, respectively) of all three plant parts. A significant correlation (r2 = 0.952) between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content was found, indicating that phenolic compounds are the major contributors to the antioxidant properties of these plants. Upon application of hierarchical cluster analysis to the results obtained, leaves with flowers were grouped in one cluster, whereas branches remained in another cluster, showing little interference from the collection site or species factors.Practical ApplicationsResults obtained support that there may exist benefits for health from ingesting this plant infusions and that these plants have a great potential to serve as a cheap antioxidant source.

Nutrients, phytochemicals and bioactivity of wild Roman chamomile: A comparison between the herb and its preparations

Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile L. (Asteraceae), has been used for medicinal applications, mainly through oral dosage forms (decoctions and infusions). Herein, the nutritional characterisation of C. nobile was performed, and herbal material and its decoction and infusion were submitted to an analysis of phytochemicals and bioactivity evaluation. The antioxidant activity was determined by free radicals scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the antitumour potential was tested in human tumour cell lines (breast, lung, colon, cervical and hepatocellular carcinomas), and the hepatotoxicity was evaluated using a porcine liver primary cell culture. C. nobile proved to be an equilibrated valuable herb rich in carbohydrates and proteins, and poor in fat, providing tocopherols, carotenoids and essential fatty acids (C18:2n6 and C18:3n3). Moreover, the herb and its infusion are a source of phenolic compounds (flavonoids such as flavonols and flavones, phenolic acids and derivatives) and organic acids (oxalic, quinic, malic, citric and fumaric acids) that showed antioxidant and antitumour activities, without hepatotoxicity. The most abundant compounds in the plant extract and infusion were 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and an apigenin derivative. These, as well as other bioactive compounds, are affected in C. nobile decoction, leading to a lower antioxidant potential and absence of antitumour potential. The plant bioactivity could be explored in the medicine, food, and cosmetic industries.