Beyond Thymol and Carvacrol: Characterizing the Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Capacity of Portuguese Oregano and Thyme for Food Applications
Source abstract
Abstract
Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and thyme (Thymus mastichina L.) are popular aromatic plants used in the culinary sphere and are known for their antioxidant capacity. This study investigates the variability in the antioxidant capacity and phenolic profiles, focusing on flavonoids and phenolic acids, of oregano and thyme accessions from the Portuguese Bank of Plant Germplasm. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by measurements using the ferric-ion-reducing antioxidant power and DPPH radical scavenging activity assays, Total Phenolic Content, and individual phenolic compounds. Oregano extracts presented the highest total phenolic content (~2152 mg GAE/g DW), while thyme extracts showed the highest ferric-reducing antioxidant powers. However, both aromatic plants (~0.58 mmol TE/g DW) presented similar DPPH radical scavenging capacities. Rosmarinic acid was the major phenolic compound in methanolic extracts from oregano and thyme, but higher amounts were found in thyme (23.11 to 40.45 mg/g DW). The accessions of oregano and thyme showed statistical differences in the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. This study provides valuable insights into the phenolic profile of Portuguese oregano and thyme, which could constitute potential sources of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds, to be used by the food industry as natural food additives.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities · Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity · Bee Products Chemical Analysis
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Polo III, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
CECA—Centre for Animal Science Studies, ICETA, 4501-401 Porto, Portugal
LEAF–Linking Landscape: Environment, Agriculture and Food–Research Center, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Banco Português de Germoplasma Vegetal (BPGV), Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV I.P.), Qta S. José, S. Pedro Merelim, 4700-859 Braga, Portugal
Al4AnimalS—Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
Funding
PDR · FCT · FCT/MCTES
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