Effect ofAlkanna albugam root on LDL oxidation. A comparative study with species of the Lamiaceae family

The role of natural products in preventing diseases, such as atherosclerosis, is being recognized increasingly. In this study, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the polar extract obtained from Alkanna albugam root, belonging to the Boraginaceae family, against LDL oxidation, was investigated and compared with the respective activity of Greek Mentha piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis and Sideritis clandestina, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Of the extracts tested, only those from Alkanna albugam root and Mentha piperita exhibited statistically significant activity. Weaker activity was shown by the extracts obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis and Sideritis clandestina.