The bioaccessible phenolic profile and antioxidant potential of Hypericum perfoliatum L. after simulated human digestion

Bioaccessibility in the gastrointestinal system is a priority for any molecule to exert its biological activity. This study was planned for investigating the bioaccessibility of the phenolic content of Hypericum perfoliatum L. together with its antioxidant profile. For this purpose, a simulation method of human digestion comprising of both gastric and intestinal phases was used. The total phenolic, phenolic acid, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents of the methanolic extract of H. perfoliatum were measured. Major phenolic compounds (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and quercitrin) and their bioaccessibilities were also evaluated by high performance thin layer chromatography. Furthermore, two mechanistically different methodologies for the estimation of antioxidant capacities were employed. Free radical scavenging activities and also ferric and cupric ion reducing capacities were calculated. The results indicated the amount of bioaccessible content, also a high antioxidant capacity of the plant following the simulated digestion process.