Determination of water-soluble antioxidants, polyphenolics, metal ion contents and spectroscopic properties of Peganum harmala L. seed herbal tea

Abstract

Peganum harmala L. is among of aromatic and medicinal plants. The extracts of Peganum harmala L. seeds include high contents of polyphenolics, alkaloids and strong antioxidants. The extracts from the seeds show many pharmaceutical properties as anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, water-soluble total antioxidant capacity, total polyphenolic substances and metal ions were determined, and the UV-vis. absorption and fluorescence emission properties of Peganum harmala L. seed tea were investigated. The maximum total antioxidant value was found as 2503 mg ascorbic acid/100 g, and the total polyphenolics were found as 4312 mg gallic acid/100 g. The Mg(II) and K(I) ions are extracted as highly as 31.79 mg Mg(II) and 158.72 mg K(I)/100 g, respectively, according to other ions. The Peaganum harmala L. extracts exhibited turquoise color FL emission and light absorption in the UV range. The extracts have potential applications as fluorescent in the food and beverage industry and scientific research. The tea of the Peganum harmala L. seeds is a good source of antioxidants, polyphenols, and Mg(II) and K(I) ions.