Abstract

Flowers of melliferous plants, such as Tilia L. and Calluna vulgaris L., are rich in highly active polyphenols and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological properties of extracts and kombucha ferments from Tilia L. and Calluna vulgaris L. flowers. The phytochemical profile was analyzed by LC-MS. Antioxidant potential was assessed using ABTS and DPPH assays, as well as by measuring intracellular ROS levels in skin cells. Cytotoxicity was determined using Alamar Blue assay in in vitro models. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed based on IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 levels, and antibacterial properties were assessed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. ABTS and DPPH assays showed the greatest antioxidant potential for Calluna vulgaris L. 7-day ferments, achieving 90.41 and 63.24% reductions in these radicals, respectively. Resazurin tests showed that in most cases, sample concentrations not exceeding 250 µg/mL did not cause a cytotoxic effect. In anti-inflammatory tests, the compound most strongly inhibited IL-6, reducing the level of this cytokine from 3.55-fold (for the positive control with LPS) to only 2.53-fold. The results demonstrated antimicrobial activity, with a zone of inhibition for S. aureus of 16 mm. Overall, the results indicate that Tilia L. and Calluna vulgaris L. flower extracts and kombucha ferments represent promising natural sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

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