Ellagitannins and Other Polyphenols Along with Dietary Components of the Rosaceae Medicinal Plants

Abstract

The edible medicinal plants Sanguisorba officinalis L. (great burnet), Geum urbanum L. (wood avens), and Agrimonia procera Wallr. (fragrant agrimony) of the Rosaceae family are a several times richer source of tannins, especially ellagitannins, than berries containing 3.0, 2.1, and 3.4 g/100 g phenolics in fresh matter. The herbs are traditionally used as anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory agents for the intestines. As a source of phenolics, mostly ellagitannins, the herbs have a potentially beneficial effect on the lipid profile of the blood by reducing total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. They are also a good source of dietary fiber (6.5 for Sanguisorba , 8.2 for Geum , and 11.1 g/100 g fresh matter for Agrimonia ) and vitamin C, all 0.1 g/100 g fresh matter. Due to their resistance to fungal diseases and pathogens, the medicinal plants are free from pesticide residues. Sanguisorba , Geum , and Agrimonia are tasty and aromatic and can be the basis of dishes, salads, or beverages.