Nutrient antioxidants in some herbs and Mediterranean plant leaves

Hexane extracts obtained by percolation from the leaves of nine Mediterrane an plants (Daphne oleoides, Myrtus communis, Pelargonium zonale, Phillyrea latifolia, Pistacia terebinthus, Quercus pubescens, Rhamnus lucioides, Side ritis syriaca, Smilax aspera) and from five leaf spices (Rosmarinum officin alis, Coridothymus capitatus, Laurus nobilis, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia pomi fera) were examined for the presence of tocopherols by thin layer chromatog raphy, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and combi ned gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. With the exception of Sideritis s yriaca, in all the plants and spices examined alpha-tocopherol was found to be present. The beta- and gamma-homologues were detected only in the extra cts of Pelargonium zonale and Smilax aspera. Quantitative analysis by HPLC gave values ranging from 250 to 1325 ppm total tocopherols (on a dry leaf b asis). These values are higher than those reported for oil seeds (sunflower seed, cottonseed, rapeseed, sesame seed) or other oil sources (peanut, soy bean, maize). (C) 1999 Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology. P ublished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.