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Abstract(s)
The inclusion of edible wild plants in human diet has been receiving an increasing attention, as they represent an
easily accessible source of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. In this work, the leaves of Umbelicus rupestris
(Salisb.) Dandy, an edible species for which only scarce data is available in literature, were thoroughly evaluated
for its nutritional profile, chemical characterization and bioactive properties. Being considered a succulent plant,
the leaves revealed a very high content of moisture, with several beneficial compounds, including omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and different polyphenols. A total of twelve flavonoids, three phenolic
acids and one phenylpropanoid glucoside were identified in the decoction and/or hydroethanolic extracts, with
most of them being described for the first time in this plant. Both extracts showed antioxidant activity and
potential to inhibit some of the assayed bacteria, while not presenting cytotoxic effects on a non-tumour primary
cell culture.
Description
Keywords
Bioactive properties Chemical characterization Nutritional value Phenolic compounds Umbilicus rupestris
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Harumi Iyda, Júlia; Fernandes, Ângela; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Alves, Maria José; Ferreira, Flávio Dias; Barros, Lillian; Amaral, Joana S.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R. (2019). Nutritional composition and bioactivity of Umbilicus rupestris (Salisb.)Dandy: An underexploited edible wild plant. Food Chemistry. ISSN 0308-8146. 295, p. 341-349