Levels of Tannins and Flavonoids in Medicinal Plants: Evaluating Bioprospecting Strategies
2012

Levels of Tannins and Flavonoids in Medicinal Plants

Sample size: 30 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Clarissa Fernanda de Queiroz Siqueira, Daniela Lyra Vasconcelos Cabral, Tadeu José da Silva Peixoto Sobrinho, Elba Lúcia Cavalcanti de Amorim, Joabe Gomes de Melo, Thiago Antônio de Sousa Araújo, Ulysses Paulino de Albuquerque

Primary Institution: Federal University of Pernambuco

Hypothesis

Is the content of phenolic compounds (tannins and flavonoids) in the groups of plants popularly indicated for diseases related to the activity of these compounds?

Conclusion

The study suggests a possible relationship between high levels of tannins and flavonoids in certain plants and their traditional medicinal uses.

Supporting Evidence

  • The group of antimicrobial plants exhibited proportionally greater occurrences of high levels of tannin compound compared to the control group.
  • Previous studies have shown that tannins possess antidiarrhoeal and antimicrobial activities.
  • The study found that the group of antidiabetic plants had the highest average levels of flavonoids.
  • Ethnobotanical surveys have contributed significantly to the discovery of medicinal plants.
  • High levels of tannins and flavonoids were associated with traditional medicinal uses in the studied community.

Takeaway

The study looked at plants used in traditional medicine and found that those with higher levels of certain compounds might be better at treating illnesses.

Methodology

The study involved an ethnobotanical survey and laboratory analysis to determine the levels of tannins and flavonoids in selected plants.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in plant selection based on traditional knowledge may influence the findings.

Limitations

The study's sample size for some therapeutic groups was small, which may affect the generalizability of the results.

Participant Demographics

The study involved a community in the municipality of Altinho, northeastern Brazil.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2012/434782

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