Rodrigues, FranciscaMoreira, TeresaPinto, DianaPimentel, Filipa B.Costa, Anabela S.G.Nunes, M. AntóniaGonçalves Albuquerque, TâniaS. Costa, HelenaPalmeira-de-Oliveira, AnaOliveira, Ana IsabelSut, StefaniaDall'Acqua, StefanoOliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.2019-06-052019-09-062018http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/13847The nutritional composition of Calluna vulgaris flowers as well as the phytochemical profile, antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP assays), antimicrobial and cytotoxic (in human immortalized non-tumorigenic keratinocyte and fibroblasts) activities of aqueous, hydroalcoholic and ethanolic extracts were evaluated. A high content of fiber and carbohydrates (75%) and the prevalence of α-tocopherol as vitamer deserves attention. Linolenic (35%), linoleic (27%) and palmitic (21%) acids were the most abundant fatty acids. Qualitative and quantitative analysis by LC-MS and 1NMR indicated high levels of quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin derivatives as well as procyanidins. The hydro-alcoholic extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC). No adverse effects on cells were observed until a concentration of 100 μg/mL and a good antimicrobial activity was reported against S. epidermidis and S. aureus with the hydro-alcoholic extract. The data obtained demonstrated that wild plants like heather, although not being a common nutritional reference, can be used in an alimentary base as a source of bioactive compounds, namely antioxidants.engCalluna vulgaris (L.) hullNatural antioxidantsBioactivitPhenolic compoundsjournal article10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.012