SIDERITIS SPP.: POTENTIAL ANTIOXIDANT AND PRESERVATIVE FOR HEALTHIER/FUNCTIONAL FOOD

4th International Symposium On Biotechnology (2026),  [pp. 711-728]
 
AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Vladimir S. Kurćubić , Slaviša Stajić , Tijana Ledina , Matija Munjić
 
Download Full Pdf   

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.711K

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

This review focuses on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of extracts of Sideritis spp., plant species widely used in traditional ethnomedicine. Phytochemical analysis and quantitative determination of the main secondary metabolites by modern analyses revealed about 250 different metabolites. The most common Sideritis species in the Balkans (S. scardica G., S. raeseri, S. taurica, S. syriaca and S. perfoliata) produce a similar set of polyphenols. Investigation of the phytochemical profile of Sideritis spp. identified various terpenoids and polyphenolic compounds, such as iridoids and kaurenic species, phenylethanoid glycosides, acetylated and non-acetylated flavonoids and a smaller number of organic phenolic acids. Many studies have shown that herbal extracts of Sideritis spp. effective natural free radical scavengers, with high potential as natural antioxidant additives to replace synthetic ones in food processing, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. In various studies, antimicrobial activity has been determined against various microorganisms, with promising results. Functional foods and dietary fortification with natural compounds with health-improving potential are becoming increasingly attractive to consumers, so it is logical to comprehensively summarize the knowledge on the mechanism of action and bioavailability of the main bioactive molecules of Sideritis spp.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

Sideritis spp., bioactive molecules, antioxidant, preservative, foods

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:

The work is part of the research projects Ref. No. 451-03-33/2026-03/ 200088, funded by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovations of the Republic of Serbia.

REFERENCES / ЛИТЕРАТУРA:

  • Begas E., Kilindris T., Kouvaras E., Tsioutsioumi A., Kouretas D., Asprodini E.K. (2018). Dietary effects of Sideritis scardica “mountain tea” on human in vivo activities of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in healthy subjects. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 122, 38-48. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.09.056.
  • Bojovic D., Jankovic S., Potpara Z., Tadic V. (2011). Summary of the phytochemical research performed to date on Sideritis species. Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research, 12 (3), 109-122.
  • Çarıkçı S., Kılıç T., Gören A.C., Dirmenci T., Toraman, G.O.A., Topçu, G. (2023) Chemical profile of the Anatolian Sideritis species with bioactivity studies, Pharmaceutical Biology, 61(1), 1484-1511. doi:10.1080/13880209.2023.2280253
  • Chrysargyris A., Tomou E.-M., Goula K., Dimakopoulou K., Tzortzakis N., Skaltsa H. (2023). Sideritis L. essential oils: A systematic review. Phytochemistry, 209, 113607. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113607.
  • Dobrikova A., Gospodinova Z., Stefanov M., Apostolova E., Krasteva N. (2023). Phytochemical analysis and assessment of the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity potential of hydroethanolic extract of bulgarian Sideritis scardica. Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 58, 1, 93-100.
  • EMA/HMPC/39453/2015. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). European Union herbal monograph on Sideritis scardica Griseb.; Sideritis clandestine (Bory & Chaub.) Hayek; Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr.; Sideritis syriaca L., herba. Available online: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-opinion/opinion-hmpc-european-union-herbal-monograph-sideritis-scardica-griseb-sideritis-clandestina-bory_en.pdf (accessed on 11 January 2026).
  • Geraris Kartelias, I.; Panagiotakopoulos, I.; Nasopoulou, C.; Karantonis, H.C. (2024). Evaluating the Effect of Adding Selected Herbs, Spices, and Fruits to Fermented Olympus Mountain Tea (Sideritis scardica) Kombucha Sweetened with Thyme Honey: Assessment of Physicochemical and Functional Properties. Beverages, 10, 9. doi: 10.3390/beverages10010009
  • Ioannou C.E., Liveri E., Papaioannou C., Zeliou K., Dimaki V.D., Zografidis A., Iatrou G., Trigas P., Papasotiropoulos V., Lamari F.N. (2025). Phytochemical Diversity and Genetic Characterization of Mountain Tea (Sideritis sect. Empedoclia) from Greece. Agriculture, 15, 1573. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151573
  • Irakli M., Tsifodimou K., Sarrou E., Chatzopoulou P. (2018). Optimization of Infusion Conditions for Improving Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity in Sideritis scardica Tea Using Response Surface Methodology. J. Appl. Res. Med. Aromat. Plants, 8, 67-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmap.2017.12.001
  • Josimovska T., Miskoska-Milevska E. (2025). Ethnobotanical study on the use of Sideritis scardica Griseb. in North Macedonia. Acta Agriculturae Serbica, 30 (59), 3‒8. doi: 10.5937/AASer2559003J
  • Kaparakou E.H., Daferera D., Kanakis C.D., Skotti E., Kokotou M.G., Tarantilis P.A. (2023). Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Three Popular Sideritis Species Cultivated in Greece Using GC-MS Analysis. Biomolecules, 13, 1157. doi:10.3390/biom13071157
  • Kouloridas K., Rosvoglou A., Gatsas A., Georgakouli K., Deli C.K., Draganidis D., Argyropoulou A., Michailidis D., Fatouros I.G., et al. (2024). Characterization of the Sideritis scardica Extract SidTea+TM and Its Effect on Physiological Profile, Metabolic Health and Redox Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Molecules, 29, 1113. doi:10.3390/molecules29051113
  • Menković N., Gođevac D., Šavikin K, Zdunić G., Milosavljević S., Bojadži A., Avramoski O. (2013). Bioactive Compounds of Endemic Species Sideritis raeseri subsp. raeseri Grown in National Park Galičica. Records of Natural Products, 7,3, 161-168.
  • Mitropoulou G., Sidira M., Skitsa M., Tsochantaridis I., Pappa A., Dimtsoudis C., Proestos C., Kourkoutas Y. (2020). Assessment of the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Potential of Sideritis raeseri subps. raeseri Essential Oil. Foods, 9(7), 860. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9070860
  • Mondéjar-López M., García-Simarro M.P., Santiago-González A., Martínez-Fajardo C., Moreno-Giménez E., López-Jiménez A., Ahrazem O., Gómez-Gómez L., Niza E. (2025). Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Sideritis serrata Lag. Extract: A New Eco-Friendly Antifungal Agent for Sustainable Agriculture. Plants, 14, 3757. doi: 10.3390/plants14243757
  • Moussavi N., Azizullah H., Malterud K.E., Inngjerdingen K.T., Wangensteen H. (2022). Immunomodulating polyphenols from Sideritis scardica. Journal of Functional Foods, 96, 105197, doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105197
  • Mróz M., Malinowska-Pańczyk E., Bartoszek A., Kusznierewicz B. (2023). Comparative Study on Assisted Solvent Extraction Techniques for the Extraction of Biologically Active Compounds from Sideritis raeseri and Sideritis scardica. Molecules, 28, 4207. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104207
  • Panossian A. (2024). Herba Sideritis: A putative adaptogen for reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Phytomedicine Plus, 4(1), 100519. doi: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2023.100519
  • Petreska J., Stefova M., Ferreres F., Moreno D.A., Tomás-Barberán F.A., Gjose Stefkovc, Kulevanovac S., Gil-Izquierdo A. (2011). Dietary Burden of Phenolics Per Serving of “Mountain Tea” (Sideritis) from Macedonia and Correlation to Antioxidant Activity. Natural Product Communications, 6(9), 1305 – 1314.
  • Qazimi B., Stefkov G., Karapandzova M., Cvetkovikj I., Kulevanova S. (2014). Aroma Compounds of Mountain Tea (Sideritis scardica and S. raeseri) from Western Balkan. Natural Product Communications, 9(9), 1369 – 1372.
  • Sagdic O., Aksoy A., Ozkan G., Ekici L., Albayrak S. (2008). Biological activities of the extracts of two endemic Sideritis species in Turkey. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 9(1), 80-84, doi: 10.1016/j.ifset.2007.06.001
  • Sarakatsianos I., Adamopoulos K., Samanidou V., Goula A., Ninou E. (2020). Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Sideritis raeseri, Sideritis scardica and Origanum vulgare. Current Analytical Chemistry, 16, 106-111. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573411014666180423125631
  • Sarikurkcu C., Locatelli M., Mocan A., Zengin G., Kirkan B. (2020). Phenolic Profile and Bioactivities of Sideritis perfoliata L.: The Plant, Its Most Active Extract, and Its Broad Biological Properties. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 1642. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01642
  • Sarrou E.,Doukidou L., Avramidou E.V., Martens S., Angeli A., Stagiopoulou R., Fyllas N.M., Tourvas N., Abraham E., Maloupa E., Nianiou-Obeidat I., Ganopoulos I., Krigas N. (2022). Chemodiversity Is Closely Linked to Genetic and Environmental Diversity: Insights into the Endangered Populations of the Local Endemic Plant Sideritis euboea Heldr. of Evia Island (Greece). Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 31, 100426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmap.2022.100426
  • Sarrou E., Tsivelika N., Martens S., Irakli M., Bletsaki F., Broufa S., Panajiotidis S., Chatzopoulou P.S., Abraham E.M. (2024). First Steps towards Pre-Breeding of Sideritis scardica: A Phenotypic, Agronomic, and Phytochemical Profiling Approach. Agronomy, 14, 1448. doi: 10.3390/agronomy14071448
  • Šavikin K., Živković J., Janković T., Čujić-Nikolić N., Zdunić G., Menković N., Drinić Z. (2021). Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolics from Sideritis raeseri Using Response Surface Methodology. Molecules, 26, 3949. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26133949
  • Skouroliakou M., Kastanidou O., Stathopoulou M.G., Vourli G. (2009). Evaluation of the Antioxidant Effect of a New Functional Food Enriched with Sideritis euboea in Healthy Subjects. Journal of Medicinal Food, 12, 1105 – 1110.
  • Segneanu A.-E., Vlase G., Vlase T., Bita A., Bejenaru C., Buema G., Bejenaru L.E., Dumitru A., Boia E.R. (2024). An Innovative Approach to a Potential Neuroprotective Sideritis scardica-Clinoptilolite Phyto-Nanocarrier: In Vitro Investigation and Evaluation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25, 1712. doi: 10.3390/ijms25031712
  • Tadić VM, Jeremic I, Dobric S, Isakovic A, Markovic I, Trajkovic V, Bojovic D, Arsic I. (2012). Anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and cytotoxic effects of Sideritis scardica extracts. Planta Medica, 78(5), 415-27. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1298172
  • Tasheva K., Georgieva A., Denev P., Dimitrova L., Dimitrova M., Misheva S., Petkova-Kirova P., Lazarova M., Petrova M. (2023). Antioxidant and Antitumor Potential of Micropropagated Balkan Endemic Sideritis scardica Griseb. Plants, 12, 3924. doi: 10.3390/plants12233924
  • Tomović G., Niketić M., Lakušić D., Ranđelović V., Stevanović V. (2014). Balkan endemic plants in Central Serbia and Kosovo regions: distribution patterns, ecological characteristics, and centres of diversity. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 176, 173–202.
  • Uysal S., Zengin G., K.I. (2025). Exploring the bioactive compounds and biological properties of three Sideritis species (S. lanata, S. rubriflora, S. scardica) from Türkiye. European Food Research and Technology, 251, 4605–4614. doi: 10.1007/s00217-025-04917-5
  • Ververis A., Ioannou K., Kyriakou S., Violaki N., Panayiotidis M.I., Plioukas M., Christodoulou K. (2023). Sideritis scardica Extracts Demonstrate Neuroprotective Activity against Aß25–35 Toxicity. Plants, 12, 1716. doi:10.3390/plants12081716
  • Yanchev N., Petkova N., Ivan Ivanov I., Delev D. (2022). Total Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Different Extracts from Sideritis scardica. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 6(7), 1113-1118. doi: 10.26538/tjnpr/v6i7.12
  • Yanchev N.B., Delev D.P., Vilmosh N.B., Atanassova P.K., Hrischev P.I. (2023). Subchronic toxicity of Sideritis scardica, Lamiaceae on male Wistar rats. Folia Med (Plovdiv), 65(4), 638-643. doi: 10.3897/folmed.65.e86540.
  • Żyżelewicz D., Kulbat-Warycha K., Oracz J., Żyżelewicz, K. (2020). Polyphenols and Other Bioactive Compounds of Sideritis Plants and Their Potential Biological Activity. Molecules, 25, 3763. doi: 10.3390/molecules25163763
  • Zheleva-Dimitrova D., Voynikov Y., Gevrenova R., Balabanova V.A (2024). Comprehensive Phytochemical Analysis of Sideritis scardica Infusion Using Orbitrap UHPLC-HRMS. Molecules, 29, 204. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010204