EFFECT OF ELEVATED CONCENTRATIONS OF CADMIUM ON HEAVY METAL(OID)S CONTENT, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND CONTENT OF ROSMARINIC ACID OF LEMON BALM (MELISSA OFFICINALIS L.)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbchem.2025.4.11Keywords:
lemon balm, cadmium, soil pollution, rosmarinic acid, antioxidant activityAbstract
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is a well-established medicinal plant prized for its rich content of bioactive compounds. This study explored how artificial cadmium (Cd) contamination of soil affects the accumulation of heavy metal(oid)s, antioxidant activity, and the concentration of rosmarinic acid in lemon balm. At a soil Cd level of 20 mg/kg, plant growth was reduced, while the concentrations of most other elements, antioxidant activity, total phenolics, and flavonoids decreased, and the rosmarinic acid content increased slightly. In contrast, lower Cd levels (5 and 10 mg/kg) led to a modest increase in antioxidant activity and phenolic content. Cadmium accumulation in the aerial parts exceeded the WHO limit for medicinal plants. Although minor improvements in antioxidant properties were observed at lower Cd levels, and rosmarinic acid increased at 20 mg/kg, the health risks associated with Cd accumulation remain a concern. Therefore, monitoring Cd content in lemon balm grown on contaminated soils is essential to ensure its safe medicinal use.
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