Determination of Antioxidants in Medicinal Herbs

Abstract

The evaluation of antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, vitamin C content and identification of several phenolic acids and flavonoids was performed in the following fresh and dried herbs widely used in folk medicine throughout Slovenia and elsewhere: elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.), barberries (Berberis vulgaris L.), rowan tree berries (Sorbus aucuparia L.), coltsfoot flowers (Tussilago farfara L.), linden flowers (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.), thyme flowers (Thymus vulgaris), milfoil flowers (Achillea millefolium) and plantain leaves (Plantago lanceolata L.). It was found that selected medicinal herbs contain different antioxidants with different polarities and exhibit different antioxidant capacities. Their levels decrease with the drying process and during the preparation of their infusions.