2.4.1. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) Evaluation

Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method [50]. Briefly, 2.5 mL Folin–Ciocalteu (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) solution (1:10) and 2 mL 7.5% Na₂CO₃ were added to 0.5 mL of diluted extract. The samples were incubated (30 min, room temperature RT) and the absorbance was measured at 765 nm and compared to blank prepared with methanol. Results were expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of DW, based on the gallic acid calibration curve (final concentration: 10–100 µg/mL, R² = 0.9968).