The Caucasian flora: a still-to-be-discovered rich source of antioxidants

Abstract

Cellular redox homeostasis is a state of balance between the formation of Usually Reactive Oxygen and / or Nitrogen Species (ROS/RNS), endogenous antioxidant defence systems, and exogenous dietary antioxidants. The disturbance of redox homeostasis, by the overproduction of endogenous ROS/RNS, may increase the risk of development of so-called civilisation diseases. The solution seems to be either the increased production of endogenous or consumption of exogenous antioxidants. Plant-borne antioxidants act via different chemical and molecular mechanisms, such as decreasing the level of oxidative damage in cells directly by reacting with ROS/ RNS or indirectlyby inhibition of the activity and expression of free radical generating enzymes or by enhancing the activity or expression of intracellular antioxidant defence enzymes. Despite the fact that the Caucasian flora is rich of health promoting edible/medicinal plants, recent studies concerning the biological activity of these plants are very scarce. This review is summarising the state-of-art on the health-promoting potential of plants representing the Caucasian flora, whose antioxidant capacity have been investigated in various in vitro models.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties of Origanum vulgare essential oil, rich with β-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene oxide

“…Interest in the raw materials of natural herbs, already great, is increasing day by day [ 1 ]. The flora of Armenia is rich in its variety of herbal raw materials [ 2 ]. Plants of the Lamiaceae family are valuable medicinal, mostly aromatic plants, many of which produce essential oils, used in traditional and modern medicine, as well as in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries [ 3 ].…”

Possible Preventive Effect of <i>Ziziphora clinopodioides</i> Lam. Essential Oil on Some Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…Plants of the Lamiaceae family are the most diverse and widespread in terms of ethnomedicine and are among the most thoroughly studied ones. These plants possess a broad spectrum of biological activity, including antibacterial and antioxidant activities [4][5][6][7]. Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam.…”

Antioxidant potential, biochemical activity and hypoglycemic effects of R. obtusifolius L. seed extracts used in Armenian traditional medicine

“…Armenian flora is rich with with herb species which have been widely used in traditional medicine since ancient times [1]. However, this biodiversity was not studied properly for their biological activities, biochemical properties, including antioxidant properties [2], and hypoglycemic activities [3]. Therefore, there could be hidden a great potential for their antioxidant properties and antihyperglycemic effects which can has huge value for therapeutic uses, as well as food industry [4].…”