Bioactive Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and Quality Assessment of Origanum onites and Thymus fallax (Lamiaceae)

Year 2026, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 1 - 9, 13.02.2026

Pelin Taştan , Ayten Acar

https://izlik.org/JA43DT56SH

Abstract

Lamiaceae family includes approximately 236 genera and 6900 to 7200 species. Medicinal plants belonging to this family have been used for many years in the treatment of various animal and human diseases based on their antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumoral, antifungal, analgesic and insecticidal effects.This research covers the determination of quality control methods and analytical studies for Thymus fallax (catri) and Origanum onites (kekik) which were collected from Şırnak and Izmir, respectively. Heavy metal analyses using Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer (WDXRF) method, determination of ash content and loss on drying according to the European Pharmacopoeia 8.0 standards were carried out. Furthermore, the total phenolic contents of aqueous extracts of both plants were tested with the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method to getting first step for determining their antioxidant activities. According to WDXRF results, the amounts of heavy metals determined were within the limits of pharmacopoeia standards for both species. In addition, total ash and water amounts were determined as 7%, 14% and 14%, 16% for Origanum onites and Thymus fallax respectively and were determined to be in compliance with pharmacopoeia standards. Total phenolic contents (GAE µg/mL) were found to be 28.152 ± 0.389 and 41.009 ± 2.059 for Origanum onites and Thymus fallax, respectively. This is an evidence that both species contain phenolic compounds that will cause them to display antioxidant activity. The data obtained within the scope of the study showed that if the plants are procured correctly and the water extracts are prepared with appropriate methods, the quality and effectiveness will increase the efficiency.

Keywords

Origanum onites , Thymus fallax , Lamiaceae , phenolic content , WDXRF

Project Number

T6572200

Thanks

This study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) under the 2209-A Undergraduate Research Projects Support Program (Project No: T6572200).

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