Teucrium montanum L.—Unrecognized Source of Phenylethanoid Glycosides: Green Extraction Approach and Elucidation of Phenolic Compounds via NMR and UHPLC-HR MS/MS

Forget exotic superfoods—a humble Mediterranean plant, Teucrium montanum, hides a treasure trove of health-boosting compounds that could redefine functional foods.

The functional food market is booming, driven by health-conscious consumers and cutting-edge technology. But where do these innovative products get their bioactive punch? Enter Teucrium montanum, an underappreciated Mediterranean plant that's finally getting its scientific due. Researchers set out to unlock its polyphenolic profile, using green extraction methods—heat-assisted, microwave-assisted, and subcritical water—to gently coax out the good stuff. The results are striking: subcritical water extracts showed the strongest antioxidant activity, with DPPH values up to 0.427 mmol Trolox per gram. In total, 12 phenolic compounds were identified across six Croatian locations, including nine phenylethanoid glycosides (PGs). These PGs, such as echinacoside and teupolioside, reached yields of up to 68 mg per gram in heat-assisted extracts. This positions T. montanum as a promising, unexploited source of PGs for future functional foods.

Key Points

• Subcritical water extracts showed strongest antioxidant activity
• 12 phenolic compounds identified, including 9 phenylethanoid glycosides
• Yields up to 68 mg/g from heat-assisted extraction