Antioxidant potential of leaf extract Balsamita maior Desf

The chemical composition of leaves of Costmary (Balsamita major Desf.), cultivated in Tuscany was investigated. The object of the present study was to determine if the natural compounds found in the acetone and water extracts exhibit radical scavenging activity (RSA) and antioxidant capacity (ORAC). This relationship has not been reported in the literature for costmary. This study evidenced that the significant RSA and ORAC activities are attributed to phenolic compounds, as flavonoids, mainly quercetin esters. The pigment profile showed that lutein is the prevalent carotenoid (over 25% of total pigments). The cytotoxic assay evidenced no larval mortality of brine shrimp Artemia salina at concentrations of 100, 200 and 500 ¼L mL leaves extract. In conclusion, costmary cultivation should be increased to favour its use in the cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical fields.