Comparative study between homemade and commercial hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) extracts regarding their phenolic profile and antioxidant activity

Abstract

Crataegus species (hawthorn) have been commonly used in traditional medicine, especially for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Many studies confirmed that they are rich in polyphenols, thus exhibiting strong antioxidant activity, which contribute to the beneficial effects of hawthorn on the cardiovascular system. In the market, there are many herbal medicinal products based on hawthorn, which consumption as adjuvant therapy in heart-related issues is supported by European Medicines Agency. Since there is a global trend of making homemade herbal preparations, this study aimed to compare whether there is a difference in polyphenol profile and antioxidant potential between homemade and commercial ethanol extracts of hawthorn. Polyphenol profile was evaluated by determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and by quantitative analysis of selected polyphenols by LC-MS/MS. Antioxidant potential was examined by DPPH, FRAP, and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The results of this study suggest that homemade ethanol extracts of hawthorn flowers, leaves and fruits are just as good source of polyphenols and antioxidants as commercial ones, and their utilization should be supported. Furthermore, hawthorn extracts made of leaves and flowers are better source of bioactive polyphenols and have higher antioxidant activity compared with the same of fruits, regardless of the method of preparation.