Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and potential of heather (Erica spp.) extracts in the control of Listeria monocytogenes. (1st November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santos, Anabela; Luís, Ângelo; Ferreira, Susana; Duarte, Ana P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of food science & technology. Volume 54:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 862
• Page End: 870
• Publication Date: 2018-11-01
• Subjects: Antimicrobial activity -- antioxidant activity -- heather extracts -- Listeria monocytogenes -- phytochemical characterisation; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.14007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-5423

Abstract

Summary: In this work, heather and its flowers were studied regarding their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Plants were subjected to ultrasound‐assisted methanolic extraction followed by fractionation. A phytochemical characterisation of extracts content in total phenols and flavonoids, and their antioxidant activity was performed. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration and by bioautography. Following, studies on the antilisterial potential were carried out by: time‐kill curves, inhibition of biofilm formation and tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes to adverse conditions. The results evidenced the antioxidant activity in both extracts, as well as, the antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. Concerning the evaluation of the antilisterial potential, a bacteriostatic behaviour and inhibition of biofilms formation ability were observed. Listeria monocytogenes showed an increased susceptibility to adverse conditions when preincubated with extracts. Thus, heather and its flowers may be a source of new compounds with antilisterial activity potential. Abstract : Anti‐ Listeria monocytogenes activity of heather extracts: growth inhibition, biofilm formation inhibition and susceptibility to adverse conditions increased.