Hydrodistillation by-products of Greek flora plants as possible sources of innovative commercial food supplements

Cretan Iama is a food supplement gaining increasing consumer acceptance that enhances the body's immune system and defense against seasonal infections. Its composition is based on aromatic plants of Greek flora (Greek dittany – Origanum dictamnus, thyme – Coridothymus capitatus and sage – Salvia fruticose), known for their beneficial effects on health and plethora of strong bioactive agents. Interestingly, a significant part of these bioactives passes with the generated by-products (hydrosols, aqueous plant extracts, plant parts) of the production process, which can consequently be used as a pool of high added value constituents. State-of-the-art chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques (CPC, HPTLC, HPLC-DAD, LC-MS and NMR) were employed for the investigation of their chemical profiles and then selected extracts were forwarded for anti-inflammatory testing on cells. Moreover, extract cytotoxicity was evaluated based on MTT assay. Formulation experiments were finally employed using a freeze dryer. The encapsulation efficiency and the stability of the products were examined using spectroscopic and thermal analyses, aiming to evaluate their potential as commercial products [1] [2].

Funding EPAnEK 2014-2020, Hydraroma, Τ2ΕΔΚ-02951

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023

• References

• 1 Anastasaki M. et al., 2017. BMC Complement. Altern. Med., 17, Article number 466.
• 2 Duijker G.. et al. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2015; 163: 157-166