Antioxidant activity and cholinesterase inhibition studies if four flavoring herb from Alentejo.

In Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, the loss of cholinergic neurons leads to the progressive reduction of acetylcholine in the brain, resulting cognitive impairment. Inhibition of the hydrolysis of acetylcholine by blocking acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) has been considered as a potential target in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Essential oils and extracts of aromatic plants may have an important role in the oxidative stress protection. Traditionally, in Alentejo (Portugal), aromatic herbs Calamintha nepeta, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha spicata and Thymus mastichina are often used by local population as condiments in food preparations. In this study, essential oils (EOs) and aqueous extracts (decoction waters) of these flavouring herbs were selected in order to evaluate its antioxidant potential and ability to inhibit AChE and BChE activities. Results suggest the potential use of EOs and extracts as nutraceutical or pharmaceutical preparations in the prevention of the oxidative stress and degenerative diseases.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Lavandula spp.

Lavenders have been used in folk medicine as disinfectant, expectorant, analgesic, anti-spasmodic, laxative and stimulant. Some species are endemic of Iberian Peninsula and often found in the Portuguese montado, including Lavandula stoechas subsp. luisieri and Lavandula pedunculata. The investigation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the Portuguese montado flora is very poor and restricted to a few botanical families, and their biological activities are mainly attributed to the essential oils. So, it is crucial to know the properties of Lavandula EOs, contributing for animal health and the valorisation of Portuguese montado flora. The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical composition, antioxidant properties and screening anti-inflammatory potential of EOs and extracts of Lavandula stoechas L. subsps. luisieri Rozeira, Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. subsp. pedunculata and Lavandula viridis L’Hér, wild grown in the south of Portugal.