Molecules (Oct 2020)

Flavonoid Profiles of Two New Approved Romanian <em>Ocimum</em> Hybrids

  • Fanica Balanescu,
  • Maria Daniela Ionica Mihaila,
  • Geta Cârâc,
  • Bianca Furdui,
  • Costel Vînătoru,
  • Sorin Marius Avramescu,
  • Elena Lacramioara Lisa,
  • Mihaela Cudalbeanu,
  • Rodica Mihaela Dinica

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25194573
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 25, no. 19
p. 4573

Abstract

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Basil (Ocimum spp.) is a traditional herbal medicine abundant in antioxidants such as phenolic compounds. As part of a diet, this herb is proved to have some roles in decreasing the risk of cancer, and in the treatment of inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to explore the total phenolic and flavonoid content of two new basil hybrids growing in Romania, namely “Aromat de Buzau” (AB) and “Macedon” (MB). The antioxidant capacity of those two species was also analyzed by DPPH and cyclic voltammetry. Six different flavonoids, such as catechin (+), rutin, hyperoside, naringin, naringenin, and genistein, were separated, identified, and quantified by HPLC–DAD chromatography, for the first time, from romanian basil hybrids. The main flavonoid of the extracts was found to be naringin which is present in the highest amount (26.18 mg/kg) in “Aromat de Buzau” (O. basilicum) methanolic extract. These results suggest that dietary intake of these new hybrids can be a source of antioxidant compounds.

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