Melissa officinalis: an important dietary source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity

Balm, Melissa officinalis L. a perennial herb native to southern climates of Europe and North America and is cultivated in Mediterranean and central Asian areas [1]. Oil of balm has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial and antispasmodic activity [2,3]. In this research, total phenolic content and related total antioxidant capacity of plant infusions was analyzed. Infusions were prepared in common way in which teas are prepared for human consumption. The total phenolics were measured by Folin-Ciocalteau assay. The total antioxidant capacity was estimated by Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Also, the phenol antioxidant coefficient (PAC) was calculated for plant infusion. The obtained results for Melissa infusions showed: high phenolic concentration, very high FRAP (>20 mM/L) and PAC >3. The ffect of infusion time and temperature on the phenolic content, FRAP, and free radical scavenging ability was tested. Preparation of Balm infusions with hot (98°C) and cold (20°C) revealed that although antioxidants were liberated from leaves into the water at both of the temperatures studied, infusions prepared at higher temperature had more than 2-fold higher antioxidant capacity determined as FRAP. DPPH radical scavenging ability of Balm phenolics was similar to (+)-catechin but not as good as for quercetin. Compared to Trolox and vitamin C, Melissa phenolics were more efficient free ABTS radical scavengers. The results indicate that Melissa officinalis infusions could be an important dietary source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity comparable with red wine or beverages like tea.

Keywords: Phenolic compound, antioxidant capacity; Infusions; Melissa officinalis; FRAP; DPPH; ABTS

References: 1- Kennedy D, Little OW, Haskell CF, Scholey AB (2006) Phytother Res 20: 96–102

2-Weiman Z, Alkrinawi S, Golfarb D, Bitran C (1993)J Pediatr122:650–652

3-Wake G, Court J, Pictering A, Lewis R, Wilkins R, Perrey E (1999)J Ethnopharmacol 69: 105–114