LC-MS Identification and Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in Solid Residues from the Essential Oil Industry

Plant solid residues obtained from the essential oil industry represent a rich source of phenolic compounds with bioactive properties to be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. A selective and sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds in solid residues of the Lamiaceae family plants. A total of 48 compounds can be separated within 35 min by using the Poroshell-120 EC-C18 column, and a gradient mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile with flow rate of 0.5 mL/min; salicylic acid was used as internal standard. The calibration curves showed good linearity in the tested concentration range for each analyte (R2 > 0.9921), while recoveries ranged from 70.1% to 115.0% with an intra-day and inter-day precision of less than 6.63% and 15.00%, respectively. Based on the retention behavior, as well as absorption and mass spectra, 17 phenolic acids, 19 flavonoids and 2 phenolic diterpenes were identified and quantified in the solid residues obtained by distillation of six aromatic plants: oregano, rosemary, sage, satureja, lemon balm, and spearmint. The method constitutes an accurate analytical and quality control tool for the simultaneous quantitation of phenolics present in solid waste residues from the essential oil industry.

Antioxidants properties of some spices with their chemistry and mechanism of action

Herbs and spices are the very best way to add flavor and dimension to a dish without adding fat, salt or calories. In fact, some herbs and spices already include a little something extra, like antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that slow or prevent the oxidative process in which cells are damaged by free radicals, which can lead to cell dysfunction. These powerful nutrients have been linked to the prevention of heart disease and diabetes, improving immune function and lowering the risk of infection and even some cancers. The bioactive compounds present in spices having antioxidant properties mainly consists of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, sulfur-containing compounds, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic diterpenes, and vitamins. While we hear a lot about the antioxidants found in dark chocolate and red wine, spices like ground cloves, oregano leaves, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and yellow mustard seed are the real antioxidant stars – delivering a higher concentration of antioxidants per 100g than dark chocolate, wine, even blueberries and whole grain cereal. Plus, they have none of the calories found in chocolate or the drawbacks associated with alcohol consumption.

Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices

Spices and herbs have been in use for centuries both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Spices not only enhance the flavor, aroma, and color of foodand beverages, but they can also protect from acuteand chronic diseases. More Americans are considering the use of spices and herbs for medicinal and therapeutic/remedy use, especially for various chronicconditions. There is now ample evidence that spicesand herbs possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumorigenic, anticarcinogenic, and glucose- and cholesterol-lowering activities as well as properties that affect cognition and mood. Research over the past decade has reported on the diverse range of health properties that they possess via their bioactive constituents, including sulfur-containing compounds, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic diterpenes, andvitamins, especially flavonoids and polyphenols. Spices and herbs such as clove, rosemary, sage, oregano, and cinnamon are excellent sources of antioxidants with their high content of phenolic compounds. It is evident that frequent consumption of spicy foods was also linked to a lower risk of death from cancer and ischemic heart and respiratory system diseases. However, the actual role of spicesand herbs in the maintenance of health, specifically with regards to protecting against the development of chronic, noncommunicable diseases, is currently unclear.This review highlights potential health benefits ofcommonly used spices and herbs such as chili pepper, cinnamon, ginger, blackpepper, turmeric, fenugreek, rosemary, and garlic.

Rosemary extract as a natural source of bioactive compounds

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.) is an aromatic evergreen herb widely used around the globe as a spice/seasoning, flavoring agent and for medicinal applications. Rosemary extract derived from rosemary leaves contains several polyphenolic components which exhibit antioxidant properties, but the predominant active components are the phenolic diterpenes, namely, carnosic acid and carnosol. Over 90% antioxidant activity of rosemary extract is attributed primarily to high content of lipophilic antioxidant molecules such as carnosic acid and carnosol. In addition to antioxidant components, rosemary extract also contains some volatile compounds. Rosemary extract bioactive compounds are also responsible for their distinctive aroma, color and flavor attributes. Rosemary extract can be applied in a wide range of oils and fats, and lipid-containing foods to delay lipid oxidation and to enhance the shelf-life of various food, feed and pet food products. This review delineates the chemistry, antioxidant mechanism, volatile flavor compounds, regulatory position, food applications, and stability of rosemary extract in foods.