Phytopharmacologic preparations as predictors of plant bioactivity: A particular approach to Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench antioxidant properties

Abstract

Numerous evidences have confirmed the multitude of health benefits of plant products and its derived formulations. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a good example widely used due to its therapeutic properties. In the present study, the antioxidant properties of E. purpurea hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from dry or fresh raw material were evaluated and compared with dietary supplements based on the same plant (tablets and syrup), in order to conclude about the most active phytopharmacological preparation or formulation. The chemical composition of the different samples was also assessed. Overall, the hydroethanolic extract of fresh plant revealed the highest activity, directly related with its higher contents in phenolic (229.22±4.38 mg GAE/mL), flavonoids (124.83±7.47 mg GAE/mL), organic acids (8.89±0.10 g/100 g) and tocopherols (4.55±0.02 mg/100 g). Tablets followed by syrup revealed the worst effect, positively correlated with the lowest abundance in bioactive molecules. The weak in vitro antioxidant potential of commercial phytopharmacological formulations could be related with their chemical composition, including the addition of excipients. Further studies are necessary to deepen knowledge on this area, namely focusing in vivo experiments, in order to establish upcoming guidelines to improve the quality and bioavailability of phytopharmacological formulations.

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