AlCl3 Reagent Research Articles

Cassia tora Linn.: A boon to Alzheimer's disease for its anti-amyloidogenic and cholinergic activities

BackgroundDrug discovery from natural products as alternatives for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a current trend. For which plant is an alternative for searching potential molecule for treating AD. Availability of Cassia tora as weed and abundance in nature makes it as potential source. Many plants group under Leguminosae family has potential medicinal property of which Cassia tora is an appropriate choice, to know potency against AD. Etiology of AD is described by senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The Aβ42 has key major role in forming plaques by forming structures like protobirils, oligomers and final fibrilar like structures. Even at in vitro conditions, the peptides have a fibrilar like structure, which was exploited to preliminary screening of natural sources that may be effective in treating AD. Hypothesis/purposeThe design of the study was to unravel the potential medicinal property of Cassia tora for its antioxidant, cholinergic and aggregation inhibition activity. Study designWe evidenced that the methanol (MeOH), n-hexane (n-hex), petroleum ether (PE) and aqueous (aq) extracts from the leaves of Cassia tora (C. tora) were investigated for their inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and anti-amyloidogenic assays. The antioxidant effect using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using Folin-Ciocaltaeu's and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) reagents, respectively. ResultsThe methanol extract of C. tora exerted the highest inhibition against AChE (55.38 ± 2.28%) and BChE inhibition (50.02 ± 0.79%) at 100µg/ml concentration. The methanol extract was also found more active in the antioxidant test. The aggregation kinetics was monitored using thioflavin-T (ThT) assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. ConclusionThe results showed that C. tora methanol extract is able to inhibit the Aβ42 aggregation from monomers and oligomers and also able to dis-aggregate the pre-formed fibrils. The study provides an insight on finding new natural products for AD therapeutics.

Comparison of the Total Phenol, Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Roots Extracts of Asphodelus microcarpus and Asphodeline lutea Growing in Syria

Medicinal plants are a source for a wide variety of natural antioxidants. In the study reported here, we have conducted a comparative study between two medicinal plants roots having the same geographic origin and growing in the same natural conditions. The present study is designed to evaluate the radical scavenging activity, total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the MeOH roots extracts of Asphodelus microcarpus and Asphodeline lutea. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was examined by DPPH method. Total phenol and total flavonoid quantities of the samples were determined spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 reagents respectively. The roots in both plants exhibited the free radical scavenging property (IC50= 0.30, 0.54 mg/ml) for A. microcarpus and A. lutea, respectively compared to that of the positive control BHT (IC50= 0.017 mg/ml). As assumed, the amount of total phenolics was (17.90, 13.02 mg GAE/ g dry weight for A. microcarpus and A. lutea root extracts, respectively. Roots extract of Asphodelus microcarpus were the richest in total phenolic compounds and also it has been found to be rich in flavonoids (14.60 mg rutinoside/g dry weight). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the antioxidant activity of A. microcarpus and A. lutea root from Syrian origin and our findings suggest the possibility of using the roots as a novel source of natural antioxidant agent for the food and pharmaceutical industries

ANALISIS SENYAWA FLAVONOID DAUN LAMUN Enhalus acoroides DI PERAIRAN PANTAI DESA WAAI KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGAH

Background: The coastal waters of Waai Village are the waters located in Kecamatan Kecamatan, Central Maluku District. The potential of coastal resources in this area is quite a lot of seagrass (Seagrass). Although quite a lot but because of the lack of information related to the existing seagrass so that until now the utilization of seagrass in the area has not been maximized. This study aims to determine the total flavonoid compounds contained in the seagrass of Enhalus acoroides.
 Method: This research was conducted at Basic Chemical Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) Pattimura University Ambon. The study was conducted from March 20-28, 2016, with sampling location in coastal waters of Waai Village, Central Maluku District. The method used refers to the Chang method by using AlCl3 reagent.
 Result: Based on total analysis of flavonoid compound using laboratory experimental method obtained the average flavonoid level contained in Enhalus acoroides seagrass leaves of 3.569%.
 Conclusion: Seaweed leaves Enhalus acoroides taken from coastal waters of Waai Village contain flavonoid compounds with an average value of 3.5697%.

Effect of seasonal variations on the phytoconstituents of Aśvagandhā w.r. to lunar cycles.

Introduction:Suśruta, Caraka and other ācāryas advocate the collection of medicinal plants keeping in view the part used, season, soil in which the herb grows and the desired pharmacological actions or therapeutic benefits. The logic behind such recommendations is being validated by modern scientific research.Aim:To assess the effect of seasonal variations on the phytoconstituents of Aśvagandhā (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) w.s.r. to lunar cycles.Material and Methods:The plant specimens were collected from Jamnagar identified pharmacognostically and cultivated under a defined habitat in a herbal garden of IPGT and RA on 7 Oct 2013. The root samples were collected on every paurṇimā (full moon) and amāvāsyā (new moon) days in śiśira and grīṣṃa ṛtu (as per classics) of the year 2013-14. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, ash values, extractive value, total alkaloid content, total flavonoids content (UV spectrometer with AlCl3 reagent), total phenolic content (Singleton and Rossi method), total carbohydrate content (UV spectroscopy with glucose as standard), UV-VIS-NIR and HPTLC were determined.Result:The results of the analytical studies clearly validate the logic of the recommendations of Suśruta and Cakrapāṇi. According to these recommendations, uṣṇa vīrya drugs must be collected during āgneya ṛtu i.e. grīṣṃa ṛtu. In present study, total phenolic, flavonide and carbohydrate content were found more in pournima samples. GAP samples showed maximum differentiation from rest of the samples with regards to TCA, TCW, TFW, MEx, WEX, pH etc. parameters. The Grīṣṃa Jyeṣṭha Paurṇimā (GJP) and Āṣāḍha Paurṇimā (GAP) samples were found to be superior than amāvāsyā samples w.r.t. functional groups and withanoloid content respectively on HPTLC.Conclusion:The observations of experimental studies validate the concept of seasonal as well as lunar collection of herb Ashwagandha to yield a drug of superior quality of active principles.

Transformation of Eugenol and Safrole into Hydroxychavicol

Hydroxychavicol is found in betel leaf at low concentration and is reported to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimutagenic activities. This study aimed to synthesize hydroxychavicol from eugenol and safrole. Isolation of eugenol from clove oil by alkaline extraction method gave 71% yield, while the isolation of safrole from lawang oil by alkaline extraction method, followed by purification using preparative thin layer chromatography, gave 7% yield. Eugenol demethylation and safrole demethylenation with AlCl3 reagent were successfully produced hydroxychavicol. The yields were 28% and 24%, respectively. Mechanisms of the synthesis are proposed in this article.

Assessment of cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant properties of Viscum album L. samples collected from different host plants and its two principal substances

In the current study, the aqueous, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts of 12 samples of Viscum album L. collected on different host plants as well as two isolated compounds [syringin (VA-1) and 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone-4′-O-[5′′′-O-trans-cinnamoyl-β-d-apiofuranosyl]-β-d-glucopyranoside (VA-2)] were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tryosinase (TYRO) enzymes at 2000μg/mL by ELISA microtiter plate assays. Antioxidant activity of the extracts and compounds was evaluated by six in vitro methods [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine (DMPD), and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays, metal-chelation capacity, ferric-(FRAP), and phosphomolibdenum-reducing antioxidant power (PRAP)]. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using Folin-Ciocaltaeu's and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. None of the extracts had any marked inhibition against tyrosinase, while they exerted a low inhibition against AChE and BChE at 200μg/mL. The aqueous and methanol extracts displayed a strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and DMPD radical quenching tests as well as FRAP and metal-chelation capacity assays.

Phytochemical Screening and In-vitro Antioxidant Activity Isolated Bioactive Compounds from Tridax procumbens Linn

Tridax procumbens L., Asteraceae, has been extensively used for various ailments in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Previous studies have revealed remarkable phytoconstituents from Tridax procumbens L. with significant antioxidant activity. The aim of the present study is to measure the anti-DPPH activity of the purified isolated compounds from n butanol soluble part and ethyl acetate soluble part of successive methanolic extract of Tridax procumbens L. We thus quantified the total phenolic and total flavonoids in different purified isolated compounds, the whole of the tests were evaluated with a sample cone. of 100 microg mL(-1) and were determined spectrophotometrically using Folin-ciocaltue and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl) assay was used to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of different isolated compounds. Isolated compounds, one from ethyl acetate soluble part (EF-I) and one from n butanol soluble part (BF-II) were reported to possess a significant anti DPPH activity with lowest IC50 values 67.26 and 80.90 microg mL(-1), respectively while comparable to standard ascorbic acid with IC50 value of 59.62 microg mL(-1), due to the high concentration of phenols 146.4 microg mL(-1) from EF-I and 142.2 microg mL(-1) from BF-II and flavonoids 48 and 42.5 microg mL(-1) found in EF-I and BF-II isolated compounds, respectively.

Antioxidant activity of phenolic and flavonoid fractions of Cleome gynandra and Maerua angolensis of Burkina Faso

Cleome gynandra L. and Maerua angolensis DC (Forsk) are two species of Capparidaceae family and of which the traditional uses are directed much against the inflammatory diseases, cancer and cellular ageing. The aim of this study is to measure the anti-FRAP, anti-ABTS and anti-DPPH activities through the n-hexane (n-H), dichloromethanolic (DCM), acetonitrile (ACN), ethyl acetate (EA), methanolic (MeOH) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) fractions of each species. We thus quantified the total phenolic and total flavonoids in different fractions. The whole of the tests were evaluated with a sample concentration at 100 µg/mL. Thus, three methods i.e., FRAP, ABTS and DPPH were used to estimate the total antioxidant capacity of the plants fractions. The total phenolic and total flavonoid were also determined spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. Butanolic fractions were give the bests anti-FRAP (535.961 µmol AAEAC/g of fraction), antiABTS (155.868 µmol TEAC/g of fraction) and anti-DPPH (81.109 µmol QEAC/ g of fraction) activities. The best phenolic content was obtained with n-butanol fraction (133.023 mg GAE/g of fraction, for C. gynandra), followed of methanolic fraction of M. angolensis (128.043 mg GAE/g of fraction). C. gynandra was give the best flavonoids contents with DCMF (50.09 %), followed of EAF (19.464 %). The obtained results allow justifying the traditional uses of these plants in the above-mentioned diseases.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Sideritis perezlarae (Borja) Roselló, Stübing and Peris

Sideritis perezlarae is a plant widely used in folk medicine in the South of Andalusia (Cádiz, Spain). In this work, a phytochemical analysis has led to the isolation and identification of the flavonoid 7-O-β-glucosyl-luteolin from a methanol extract. The total phenol content estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau assay and expressed as gallic acid equivalent per gram of dried fraction, was 102.54 ± 2.10 mg phenols per gram dry residue. The flavonoid content, investigated by AlCl3 reagent, was 23.49 ± 0.90 mg flavonoids gram dry residue. The methanol extract has been evaluated for antioxidant (DPPH and TEAC assays) and cytotoxic (SRB assay) properties. In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the IC50 was 360 µg mL−1. In the total antioxidant activity, calculated by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC, mg g−1 of dried fraction), the extract showed a high antioxidant capacity (TEAC value of 0.59 ± 0.02 mg g−1). The cytotoxic activity of the extract against a human adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 presented an IC50 = 69.47 ± 4.64 µg mL−1.

Investigation on chemical composition, anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of extracts and essential oils of Turkish Pinus species and pycnogenol

In the current work, the acetone, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts and essential oils of the twigs and needles of five Turkish Pinus species; P. brutia, P. halepensis, P. nigra, P. pinea, and P. sylvestris along with pycnogenol (the bark extract of P. pinaster) were examined for their inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) at 200μgmL−1. Their antioxidant activity was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine (DMPD) radical scavenging, metal-chelation, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined by Folin–Ciocalteau and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. GC–MS technique was applied for compositional profile of the essential oils of the tested species. Accordingly, the best AChE and BChE inhibition was caused by the twig essential oil (83.91±3.95%) and the needle ethanol extract (82.47±5.57%) of P. halepensis, respectively. Pycnogenol also caused a remarkable inhibition against AChE (63.33±0.22%) and BChE (83.67±0.22%). The extracts and essential oils usually showed a strong activity in the antioxidant assays. Pycnogenol exhibited a potent antioxidant effect and had the richest total phenol content. In the essential oils, α- and β-pinene were identified the major components. These results reveal that the Pinus species and pycnogenol are the potential sources of active metabolites with cholinesterase and antioxidant properties.

Antioxidant and anticholinesterase effects of frequently consumed cereal grains using in vitro test models

The ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts obtained from eight varieties (Faikbey, Y-1779, CI-8357, Cheokota, Seydişehir, Y-330, Sivas and YVD-18) of oat (Avena sativa L.), one variety (Larende) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), one variety (Tatlicak 97) of triticale (Triticale sp.) and one rye variety (Aslim 95) (Secale cereale L.) were investigated for their antioxidant effects in seven test systems. Anticholinesterase activity of the extracts was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate reader. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were calculated using Folin Ciocalteau and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. All of the extracts were ineffective in cholinesterase inhibition assays and had weak-to-moderate activity in antioxidant assays. The extracts exerted better activity in iron-chelation capacity ranging between 43.17 ± 2.04 and 62.97 ± 1.29%. Triticale extracts showed higher activity in reducing power experiments. A notable difference in the results of the antioxidant activity assays was observed among the oat varieties.

Profiling of in vitro neurobiological effects and phenolic acids of selected endemic Salvia species

The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from 16 Salvia L. species were screened for their inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, and tyrosinase; the enzymes linked to neurodegeneration. Their antioxidant activity was also tested using DPPH radical scavenging, metal-chelation, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total flavonoid content of the extracts was determined by AlCl3 reagent, while HPLC technique was applied for analysis of various phenolic acids in the extracts. The extracts exerted weak cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition, and remarkable inhibition against lipoxygenase (13.07±2.73–74.21±5.61%) at 100μgml−1. The methanol extracts showed higher antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays. The extracts were analyzed for their gallic, protocateuchic, p-hydroxy-benzoic, vanillic, caffeic, chlorogenic, syringic, o- and p-coumaric, ferulic, rosmarinic, and tr-cinnamic acid contents and the methanol extract of Salvia ekimiana (153.50mg100g−1) was revealed to be the richest in terms of rosmarinic acid.

Comparative assessment of antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory properties of the marigold extracts from Calendula arvensis L. and Calendula officinalis L.

Calendula sp. is an important medicinal and industrial plant with various bioactivities. In this study, we examined enzyme inhibitory effects of the n-hexane, dichloromethane, acetone, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of the leaf and flowers of Calendula arvensis L. and C. officinalis L. against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The extracts were screened for their antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion-chelating capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays at 250, 500, and 1000μgmL−1. Total phenol and flavonoid quantification of the extracts was achieved using Folin–Ciocalteau and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract of C. arvensis flowers was the most active in AChE inhibition assay (31.24±1.29%), while the n-hexane extract of C. officinalis leaves exerted the highest ferric ion-chelating capacity (74.27±2.25%). Thin layer chromatographic analysis indicated presence of flavonoid and triterpene derivatives mainly in the extracts.

In vitro prospective effects of various traditional herbal coffees consumed in Anatolia linked to neurodegeneration

Various herbal coffee varieties are consumed traditionally in Turkey. In the current study, the ethanol extracts of the coffee and seed samples obtained from Gundelia tournefortii (tumble thistle), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Phoenix dactylifera (date), and Ceratonia siliqua (carob) as well as a sample of instant coffee (Nescafe®, green blend) were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase, the enzymes connected to neurodegeneration. Since oxidative stress is strongly associated with neurodegeneration, antioxidant activity of the extracts was also determined. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured using anti-radical and metal-related methods. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were calculated using Folin–Ciocalteau's and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. Fatty acid compositions of the seed oils of tumble thistle and black seed were analyzed by GC–MS. Our results showed that the date sample exerted the highest AChE and BChE inhibition at 300μgmL−1 (52.96% and 83.22%, respectively).

Antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina) extract

Marsetya YR, Mudjijono, Hastuti S. 2009. Antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina) extract. Biofarmasi 7: 77-86. This research was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity and the relationship between antioxidant activity with phenolic and flavonoid contents in snake gourd extract. The extract was prepared by a maceration using methanol, and then continued by an extraction using solvent with increasing polarity. Extract obtained was analyzed to determine the antioxidant activity, and they were compared to the synthetic antioxidant, BHT (Butylated Hidroxytoluene) and PG (Propyl Gallate). The antioxidant activity was determined using the modification of β-carotene-linoleic acid emulsion system. Phenolic content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the flavonoid content was determined using AlCl3 reagent. The result of this research showed that the antioxidant activity of methanol extract (29.566%) was higher than BHT (16.268%), and it was not significantly different from PG (29.452%). Chloroform extract had the highest antioxidant activity (36.384%), followed by water, hexane, butanol, and ethyl acetate extract, respectively. Phenolic contents of each extract (methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water) were 1.904, 3.547, 2.553, 3.114, and 1.776 g GAE (Gallic Acid Equivalent)/100 g extract, and the flavonoid contents were 4.072, 4.162, 1.751, 2.944, and 1.392 g QE (Quercetin Equivalent)/100 g extract, respectively. A positive relationship was found in this research, the chloroform extract that had the highest antioxidant activity contained the highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid. This study showed that snake gourd could be used as a source of natural antioxidant.

Quantification of genistein and daidzein in two endemic Genista species and their antioxidant activity

In the current research, the total and free genistein and daidzein contents were determined in two endemic Genista species (G. sandrasica and G. vuralii) by an HPLC method. The highest amount of total genistein and total daidzein was found in G. sandrasica, 0.582 % and 0.113 %, respectively, whereas only the free daidzein content of G. sandrasica was higher than that of G. vuralii. The antioxidant activity of the crude methanol and hydrolyzed extracts of these species was evaluated by three in vitro methods; namely DPPH free radical scavenging, ferrous ionchelating and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests at 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 mg ml. The hydrolyzed extracts of both species displayed greater antioxidant activity than the crude methanol extracts in all tests. Total phenol and flavonoid contents in the extracts were determined via the Folin-Ciocalteau and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. G. vuralii was richer in terms of total phenol and flavonoid contents compared to G. sandrasica.

In vitro Antioxidant, Lipoxygenase and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities of Fractions from Cienfuegosia digitata Cav., Sida alba L. and Sida acuta Burn f. (Malvaceae)

In this study polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, lipoxygenase (LOX) and Xanthine Oxidase (XO) inhibitory effects of n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of aqueous acetone extracts from S. alba L., S. acuta Burn f and Cienfuegosia digitata Cav. were investigated. The total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and total tannins were determined by spectrophotometric methods using Folin-ciocalteu, AlCl3 reagents and tannic acid, respectively. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using three methods: inhibition of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydramzyl (DPPH), ABTS radical cation decolorization assay and Iron (III) to iron (II) reduction activity (FRAP). For enzymatic activity, lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities were used. This study shows a relationship between polyphenol contents, antioxidant and enzymatic activities. Present results showed that ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions elicit the highest polyphenol content, antioxidant and enzymatic activities.

In vitro Antioxidant, Xanthine Oxidase and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. (Balanitaceae)

The present study aimed to test the validity of Balanites aegyptiaca remedies used for the treatment of rheumatisms and mental disorders by examining the antioxidant, xanthine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of galls and leaves extracts and fractions. The total phenolics and flavonoids were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. Two methods i.e., FRAP and ABTS were used to estimate the total antioxidant capacity of the plant materials. The FRAP and ABTS antioxidant activities showed that among all extracts and fractions tested, the best antioxidant activities were found with the galls dichloromethane and the leaves ethyl acetate fractions. The antioxidant activities did correlated significantly with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The study also showed that B. aegyptiaca galls and leaves fractions exhibited a moderate xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity comparatively to the acetylcholinesterase which was weakly inhibited by the tested extracts and fractions.

Electrophilic Aromatic Aroylation with CF3‐Bearing Arenecarboxylic Acid Derivatives: Reaction Behavior and Acidic Mediator Dependence

Triflic acid (TfOH) has been proven to be effective as a tolerant acidic mediator in electrophilic aromatic aroylation with CF3‐bearing aroyl chlorides. The TfOH‐mediated aroylation of fluorobenzene proceeds with high selectivity to give CF3‐bearing aryl fluorophenyl ketones in good yields, which are hardly obtained with the aid of AlCl3 or direct condensation reagents.

Phenolics as radical scavengers in Plantago species

The genus Plantago L. (Plantaginaceae) comprises about 275 species found all over the world. Ancient use of plantains as herbal remedies is a consequence of their adstringent, anti-toxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and diuretic properties. Although studies concerning the antioxidant activity of some plantains are available [1, 2], there are no reports on the antioxidant activity of some other Plantago species. The aim of this study was to examine antioxidative properties of methanolic extracts from four Plantago species (P. maior L., P. media L., P. lanceolata L. and P. holosteum Scop.) collected from three different locations in Serbia. The extracts were investigated regarding their composition by different colorimetric techniques, such as the content of total phenolic compounds by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay [3] and flavonoids by AlCl3 reagent [4]. Their radical scavenger capacity (RSC) was evaluated measuring spectrophotometrically the decrease of DPPH* (diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical) [5]. The content of total phenolic compounds (expressed as g chlorogenic acid equivalents/g of dry extract) varied from 0.1281 (P. maior location N. Sad) to 0.2774 (P. media-Mt. Kopaonik). Flavonoid content was the highest in P. holosteum, followed by P. media, P. lanceolata and P. maior (from 19.76 to 7.77mg quercetine equiv/g of dry extract, respectively). The most potent extracts of P. media (Mt. Kopaonik) and P. holosteum (Mt. Stara Planina) inhibited the DPPH* by 50% (IC50) at 4.25 and 4.28µg/ml respectively indicating higher activity than the synthetic antioxidant BHT (IC50 4.62µg/ml). The extracts of P. maior and P. lanceolata also showed significant scavenging capacity. Beside estimated correlation between the scavenging potency and the total phenolic content of the extracts, this study presented P. media and P. holosteum as a possible new source of natural antioxidants.