A systematic study of the polyphenolic composition of aqueous extracts deriving from several Cistus genus species: evolutionary relationship.

Introduction: Cistaceae is a large family of shrubs widely spread over the Mediterranean area. It includes Helianthemum, Halimium and Cistus genus. Cistus genus contains approximately 20 species distributed in three subgenus.

Cistaceae aqueous extracts containing ellagitannins show antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, and cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells.

Roots and aerial parts of Cistaceae have been used since ancient times in the Mediterranean cultures for its medicinal properties. In this study, phenolic and tannin content of C. ladanifer and C.