Stability and antioxidant activity of polyphenols in extracts of Myrtus communis L. berries used for the preparation of myrtle liqueur

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2006 Aug 28;41(5):1614-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2006.02.018. Epub 2006 Mar 22.

Abstract

Flavonoids and anthocyanins in berry extracts from Myrtus communis, prepared by following a typical Sardinia myrtle liqueur recipe, were identified by HPLC coupled with Electrospray Mass Spectrometry and quantified by HPLC coupled with Ultraviolet/Visible Detection in order to evaluate the stability of the extracts during 1 year of storage. Antioxidant activity was measured by using TEAC assay, and the free-radical scavenging activity was monitored during time of the stability evaluation. Anthocyanins have found to be the most instable compounds, but a considerable instability was observed also for flavonoids, suggesting the use of extracts not over 3 months from their preparation. The myrtle extract showed interesting free-radical scavenging activity. Antioxidant activity was preserved in 3 months.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Calibration
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Drug Stability
  • Drug Storage
  • Flavonoids / chemistry*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / chemistry
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Myrtus / chemistry*
  • Phenols / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / analysis
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Polyphenols
  • Reference Standards
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Ultrasonics

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Flavonoids
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Phenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols