Chemical characterization and bioactive properties of decoctions and hydroethanolic extracts of Thymus carnosus Boiss.

Abstract

Thymus carnosus Boiss. is an endangered species endemic to Portugal. Studies on its phytochemical composition and bioactivity would increase its use and protection, as no data is available. LC-MS analysis of T. carnosus decoction and hydroethanolic extracts allowed the identification of a salvianolic A isomer, which has not been described in Thymus genus before, rosmarinic and salvianolic K acids as the main phenolics. Luteolin, apigenin and eriodictyol glycosides were identified in lower amounts. Oleanolic and ursolic acids were present only in hydroethanolic extracts. Decoction extracted 32.4% of the phenolic compounds obtained by exhaustive hydroethanolic extraction. Both extracts reduced the viability of three cancer cell lines (human breast: MCF-7, BT-474; murine macrophage: Raw 264.7), with hydroethanolic extracts showing a higher activity. T. carnosus extracts possess significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities and may be suggested as a new potential source of natural antioxidants and their decoctions as a novel functional food.

Keywords

• Thymus carnosus Boiss.
• Phenolic compounds profile
• Antioxidant activity
• Anti-inflammatory activity
• Bioactivity
• Cytotoxicity