Antioxidant properties and analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Calamintha nepeta and Foeniculum vulgare

Abstract

Plants are rich in bioactive compounds, some of them have important antioxidant properties useful in prevention of the oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases, however their medicinal uses are mainly based on traditional beliefs, without scientific evidence [1]. Some studies reported the ethnoveterinary applications of medicinal plants in feeding and nutrition of livestock, suitable to improve the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [2]. Phytotherapeutical use of essential oils (EOs) gain increasing attention in animal nutrition due to their spasmolytic and diuretic activities [3]. However, further scientific research is therefore needed to use essential oils effectively in feeding of livestock. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant and pharmacological properties of EOs and extracts of two aromatic plants from Alentejo, Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi subsp. nepeta (calamint), and Foeniculum vulgare L. (fennel). Antioxidant activity was determined by three methods: diphenylpicrylhidrazil radical, β-carotene/linoleic acid and reducing power assay.