Edible Wild Vegetables Urtica dioica L. and Aegopodium podagraria L.: Antioxidants Affected by Processing

Abstract

Urtica dioica L. and Aegopodium podagraria L. (stinging nettle and ground elder) are edible wild green vegetables rich in bioactive and antioxidant polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Antioxidant activity assays (TEAC, DPPH, TPC) combined with HPLC were used to qualify and quantify their chemical compositions. Drying methods affected antioxidant activity, and cooking increased antioxidant activity due to higher concentrations of bioactive compounds released through rupture of cell structures.