Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Leaves of Ajuga Iva

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to study the biological characteristics in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ajuga iva and determine the best analytical and extraction methods applicable to this specie and studied compounds. A short screening of its nutritional value in terms of chemical composition is also included. A. iva leaves were analyzed for crude protein (CP), cell wall [neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL)], minerals, fatty acids, essential oils, and phenolic compounds. Mature aerial parts of A. iva were randomly collected during the Spring season from Mograne-Zaghouan, Tunisia. Leaves of A. iva contained 13.4 ± 0.4% CP, 26.3 ± 0.35% NDF, 20.2 ± 0.42% ADF, and 5.13 ± 0.21% ADL. Mineral content (13.0 ± 0.45%) was mainly composed of potassium (4.5% g DM) and magnesium (4.25% DM). Leaves of A. iva had linolenic (26.29 ± 0.760%) and linoleic (37.66 ± 2.35%) acids as the main components of the acid profile. Thymol was found to be the most dominant (23.43%) essential oil, followed by 4-vinylguaiacol (14.27%) and linalool (13.66%). HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS analysis pointed out the presence of phytoecdysteroids. Phenolic acids and flavonoids, such as glycosylated derivatives of naringenin, eriodyctiol, and apigenin, were detected in the methanol extract of A. iva leaves. Our results underline the importance of choosing proper extraction methods and solvents to extract and characterize the described compounds profile of A. iva leaves. Results also show A. iva leaves as a potential source of functional ingredients with beneficial health-promoting properties. Overall, leaves of A. iva have low biological activities (antioxidant and antimicrobial activities) with a chemical composition suitable as a feed for ruminants in rangeland pasture. It also has low-grade antibacterial or medicinal characteristics when fed to ruminants.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antidiabetic Activities of Ajuga iva (L.)

“…These results are similar to those of our study. Other chemical components found in our plant, such as epigallocatechin gallate, harpagide, and cyasterone, have also been reported in A. iva (L.) from Tunisia [66]. In conclusion, these results can confirm the use of A. iva (L.) leaves as natural alternatives to industrial products, especially in the pharmaceutical field.…”

“…been reported in A. iva (L.) from Tunisia [66]. In conclusion, these results can confirm the use of A. iva (L.) leaves as natural alternatives to industrial products, especially in the pharmaceutical field.…”

“…A. iva (L.) records a high ash content of around (16.3005 ± 0.2763)%. The rate recorded is slightly higher than those obtained at A. iva (L.) in Tunisia (13.0%) [64] and in Algeria (11.10%) [65]. Additionally, this rate is much lower than that found in A. remota Benth from Ethiopia (27.10%) [62].…”

“…Additionally, this rate is much lower than that found in A. remota Benth from Ethiopia (27.10%) [ 62 ]. According to Ammar and his collaborators [ 66 ], the ash content of the leaves of A. iva (L.) varies from one region to another; indeed, they found that for the two localities of Tunisia, Mograne and Nabeul, the contents varied between 15.2% and 24.3%. These differences between localities could be due to some external factors, such as climatic, soil, and environmental conditions.…”

Morphological and biochemical variation of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. ex Benth. in different habitats of Markazi province in the center of Iran

“…Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are well-known for their antioxidant properties, and one of their mechanisms of action is the ability to react with reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as lipid and hydroxyl radicals. Therefore, these compounds can scavenge harmful free radicals that can increase antioxidant activity [18].…”