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Research Project

INVESTIGATION OF WILD EDIBLE PLANTS AND AGRO-PRODUCTS OF THE ALGARVE REGION AS SOURCES OF BIOACTIVE AND HEALTH-PROMOTING PHYTOCHEMICALS

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The medicinal potential of plants from the genus Plantago (Plantaginaceae)
Publication . Gonçalves, Sandra; Romano, Anabela
Plantago is a genus comprising more than 200 plant species used extensively all over the world as functional foods and remedies for a wide range of diseases. This review summarizes the traditional uses, bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities of this genus. The medicinal value of Plantago species in part reflects the gel nature of the polysaccharides extracted from their seeds, which are not only therapeutic, but can also be used for drug delivery and toxin removal. Phytochemical studies have shown that Plantago species also produce other important bioactive compounds such as phenylpropanoid glycosides, iridoids, triterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Bioactive extracts and isolated compounds can therefore be developed as therapeutic formulations. Some traditional uses of these plants have been pharmacologically validated by identifying specific bioactive molecules, although the mechanisms of action remain unclear. The Plantago genus is also a promising source of novel bioactive molecules and multifunctional polysaccharides because only a few species have been investigated comprehensively thus far. (c) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Physiological traits and oxidative stress markers during acclimatization of micropropagated plants from two endangered Plantago species: P-algarbiensis Samp. and P-almogravensis Franco
Publication . Gonçalves, Sandra; Martins, Neusa; Romano, A.
Plantago algarbiensis Samp. and Plantago almogravensis Franco are species endemic to Portugal at risk of global extinction. The aim of this study was to investigate the ex vitro performance of micropropagated P. algarbiensis and P. almogravensis plants in terms of survival, relative water content (RWC), photosynthetic pigment contents, H2O2 accumulation, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation, and soluble protein content, in comparison with wild-grown plants. Relatively high survival rates and RWC values during the acclimatization process were observed for both species. In P. algarbiensis, the pigment content increased when plantlets were transferred to ex vitro conditions, indicating enhanced light absorption capacity. No significant alterations in H2O2 content, CAT activity, or lipid peroxidation level were observed during acclimatization, but the protein content decreased in plants at the end of the growth chamber and greenhouse stages. When P. almogravensis plantlets were transferred to the ex vitro environment, decreases in the H2O2 content were observed that correlated to increased CAT activity and SOD maintenance, which lead to decreased lipid peroxidation and protein content. It was concluded that micropropagated P. algarbiensis and P. almogravensis plants were able to manage the oxidative stress induced by the in vitro environment and to perform well under ex vitro conditions.
Phenolic profile, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory activities of extracts from aromatic plants used in Mediterranean diet
Publication . Goncalves, Sandra; Moreira, Elsa; Grosso, C.; Andrade, Paula B.; Valentao, Patricia; Romano, Anabela
The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of methanolic extracts from four aromatic plants used in traditional medicine and food [Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi subsp. nepeta, Helichrysum italicum subsp. picardii Franco, Mentha spicata L. and Origanum vulgare subsp. virens (Hoffmanns. & Link) Bonnier & Layens] were evaluated. The extract from O. vulgare exhibited the strongest DPPH (IC50 of 4.65 +/- 0.12 mu g/ml) and ABTS (1479.56 +/- 12.29 mu mol(TE)/g(extract)) scavenging capacities, as well as the largest ferric reducing ability (1746.76 +/- 45.11 mu mol(AAE)/g(extract)). This extract also showed the highest total phenolic content (1597.20 +/- 24.10 mu mol(GAE)/g(extract)) and although HPLC-DAD analysis revealed rosmarinic acid as the main compound of the extract, other compounds seem to be involved in the antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the extract from H. italicum, which was found to be rich in caffeoylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic acids and in pinocembrin, showed the highest inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase and alpha-glucosidase. Overall, the results obtained validate the usefulness of the studied plants as valuable sources of natural agents beneficial for human health.

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Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

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Funding Award Number

SFRH/BPD/84112/2012

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