Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenol and Total Flavonoid Contents of Trachystemon orientalis (L.) G. Don

Abstract

Objective: For many years, plants have been considered a source of alternative medicine and are used for the treatment of several diseases. These medicinal plants are excellent sources of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. Trachystemon orientalis (L.) G. Don (Boraginaceae) originates from East Bulgaria but can be found mostly in West Caucasia and the Black Sea region of Turkey. Its flowering branches, rhizomes, and leaves are used as food. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity of a T. orientalis aqueous infusion was investigated using various antioxidant tests, such as reducing power and radical scavenging activity. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. Results were compared with natural and synthetic antioxidants. Results: The results demonstrated that T. orientalis (L.) is a good source of antioxidants. Conclusion: This study suggested that T. orientalis extract can be considered a useful natural antioxidant source because of its flavonoid, phenolic, and anthocyanin contents. The food and cosmetic industries might employ T. orientalis extract as an alternative additive to other highly toxic synthetic antioxidants.