Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the strawberry tree, is an evergreen shrub valued for its medicinal properties and nutritional benefits. It is utilized traditionally to treat hypertension and diarrhea, as an antiseptic, laxative, and antirheumatic, and for urinary infections. Extracts from the leaves exhibit vasorelaxant, diuretic, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-aggregating properties without acute toxicity. Consuming a diet rich in Arbutus unedo can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other ailments associated with oxidative stress. The antioxidants present in the strawberry tree are suspected to have protective effects against lung, esophagus, and colon cancers.

The study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Arbutus unedo by measuring the levels of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and flavonols, and their antioxidant activities, including radical scavenging activity, reducing power, the inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation, and hydrogen peroxide inhibition.

High levels of phenolic compounds and significant antioxidant activities were detected in Arbutus unedo. Specifically, 30% and 100% ethanolic extracts were more effective in inhibiting the DPPH radical. This study reveals that the solvent type significantly affects the phenolic content and antioxidant activity, with 100% ethanol being the most efficient for phenolic extraction from Arbutus unedo. These findings underscore the importance of Arbutus unedo as a substantial source of natural antioxidants, contributing to its therapeutic potential and health benefits.

These results support the traditional use of Arbutus unedo and highlight its role in modern nutraceutical applications. Future research could further explore the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed effects and their mechanisms of action, paving the way for new antioxidant therapies derived from this plant.