Chemical Characterization, Bioactivity and Toxicity of European Flora Plant Extracts in Search for Potential Natural Origin Preservatives

Consumer demand for natural and healthier products has led to an increasing interest in the bioactive therapeutic properties of plant extracts. In this study, we evaluated phenolic compounds profile, bioactivities, toxicities extracts from eight European flora species, including Calendula officinalis L., Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, Hippophae rhamnoides Juglans regia Mentha cervina Rubus idaeus Sambucus nigra Vitis vinifera L. The aim was identify potential preservatives origin. Phenolic were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. Caffeic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, flavonols, flavones major identified. total content varied 16.0 ± 0.2 (V. vinifera) 123 2 mg/g (H. rhamnoides) dry extract. All showed antioxidant exhibited activity against some microorganisms tested. S. highest inhibition oxidative hemolysis (OxHLIA) assay H. rhamnoides, notably, had lowest IC50 values TBARS DPPH assays, as well minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Regarding vitro cytotoxicity, tumor non-tumor cell lines, although revealed toxicity normal cells, it found that samples C. vulgaris, V. R. might be used cells since active is much lower than one causing toxicity. vivo acute tests using Artemia franciscana suggest low most extracts, with LC50 > 400 mg/L. These results studied preservatives, given their richness properties, highlight value production chain.