CONTENT OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis L.) SAMPLES GROWN IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Abstract

Lemon balm leaves are a potential source of biologically active compounds, especially phenolic compounds. These compounds contribute to its antioxidative activity, serving as the plant's natural response to stress. The aim of the research was to determine the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidative activity in lemon balm samples grown in different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidative activity were analyzed using aqueous and ethanolic extracts with the Folin-Ciocalteau and method with AlCl3 for phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. The pFRAP method was used for antioxidative activity. Research showed that geographic location had an impact on bioactive compound content and their antioxidative activity. It can also be concluded that the extraction solvent influenced the antioxidant activity of lemon balm leaves.