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Antioxidant activity and polyphenol content of the extracts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) and Castanea sativa Mill.

Phenolic compounds are naturally widely present in almost all plants and food products of plant origin. Polyphenols in plants can act as signaling molecules involved in the hormonal regulation of plant growth, and protect them from infection by microorganisms (antimicrobial activity), act as protective agents against UV radiation, attract pollinators, contributing pigmentation plants, while in foods contribute bitterness, clarity, color, taste, flavor and oxidative stability. With multiple biological activities, extracts rich in phenols are of particular importance for the food industry because they slow down the oxidative degradation of lipids and thus improve the quality and nutritional value of food. Also, consumption of phenols from plant based foods is associated with reduced risk of a variety of diseases. In recent years, a growing interest in the food industry for the use of antioxidants from natural sources (e.g., polyphenolic compounds from plants, fruits and vegetables, whole grains), because some research suggests that the most commonly used synthetic antioxidants have potential to damage health. Protecting consumers, their interests and their safety have drawn attention to the food producers of synthetic to natural antioxidants. Benefits of polyphenols intake are results of their antioxidant activity, the presence in the human diet and their influence in the prevention of various chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. In our research we were investigated chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Echinacea purpurea (L.) and Castanea sativa Mill. extracts. Echinacea purpurea (L.) is a good example of species that contains a number of bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant properties. As one of the most economical raw materials rich in polyphenols, Castanea sativa Mill. (sweet chestnut), have been used chiefly eaten as food and for tannin extract production. So far, little is known about the potential of those extracts.

antioxidants; poliphenolics; Echinacea purpurea; Castanea sativa

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