Maximum Flavonoid Content Research Articles

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Albizia lebbeck Linn, Cassia occidentalis Linn and Swertia chirata Roxb. against paracetamol induced liver injury in wistar rats

Methanolic, ethanolic and acetone extract of seeds of A. lebbeck, C. occidentalis and leaves of S. chirata were assessed for their phytochemical constituents and their hepatoprotective activities against liver toxicity induced by paracetamol (PCM) in swiss wistar albino rats. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids in the methanolic, ethanolic and acetone extract of seeds of A. lebbeck, C. occidentalis and leaves of S. chirata. A maximum flavonoids content of 4.7±0.8 mg g−1 and alkaloids content of 3.73±0.47 mg g−1 was reported in methanolic extract of A. lebbeck. In methanolic extract of S. chirata a maximum tannin content of 2.93±0.15 mg g−1 and saponins content of maximum 2.9±0.26 mg g−1 was obtained. The hepatoprotective activities were estimated against liver toxicity induced by paracetamol (PCM) in Swiss wistar Albino rats at the dose of 500 mg kg−1. Rat groups treated with methanolic extract of seeds of C. occidentalis and A. lebbeck showed low level of serum enzymes (i.e. SGOT 41.2±1.3 IU L−1, SGPT 35.4±1.6 IU L−1 and ALP 94±1.5 IU L−1) as compared to PCM treated group of albino rats (SGOT 233±127.4 IU L−1, SGPT 197±101.6 IU L−1 and ALP 346±104.5 IU L−1). The histopathological findings showed maximum protection by methanolic extract and minimum in acetone extract of A. lebbeck, C. occidentalis and S. chirata against PCM induced hepatotoxicity.

Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the peel and seed of <i>Spondias dulcis</i> (Amberalla) fruit

Purpose: Reactive oxygen species and the free radicals are implicated in many medical disorders as well as in the process of aging. Due to the toxicity of synthetic drugs there is much interest in natural products that could combat diseases. Furthermore side effects and resistance to antibiotics are well documented and as such there is much interest in herbal remedies that have antimicrobial activity. The objective of this research is to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of the extracts of the seed and peel of Spondias dulcis (Amberalla) fruit. Method: The percentage radical scavenging activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The reducing potential of the extracts were determined using Ferric ion reducing assay. The total phenol and total flavonoid contents were obtained from calibrations plots of Gallic acid and Quercetine respectively. The antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. were carried out using Agar well method. Results: The antioxidant activity, total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the ethyl acetate, hexane and dichloromethane extracts of the Sri Lankan variety of Spondias dulcis was investigated. Of all extracts the highest activity was shown by the peel extracts of the S.dulcis fruit. The dichloromethane extract of the peel of the fruit showed the maximum activity in DPPH radical scavenging assay (93.40±0.02%) followed by the hexane extract of the peel (91.10±0.01%) compared to butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) (74.26±0.01%) at the same concentration(127.5 μg ml-1). In the Fe3+ reducing power assay the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the peel gave values of 0.35±0.12% and 0.30±0.05% respectively compared to BHT (0.71±0.04%) at the same concentration(3.33 μg ml-1).The highest phenolic content was found in the ethyl acetate extracts of peel (463.68±0.02 mg (GAE/g). The maximum flavonoid content was seen in the hexane extract of the peel (1133.77±0.01mg (QE/g). However, the antibacterial assay of the peel and the seed extracts did not show a significant activity against the bacterial species; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Conclusion: Our results show that the non-utilized parts of the S. dulcis fruit contains high amount of antioxidant properties and may have the ability to reduce the risk of oxidative stress and defense against degenerative diseases.

Improvement in functional, rheological and sensory properties of low sugar ice cream by adding fine wine lees

Fine wine Lees (FwL) possesses enormous antioxidants properties besides having several nutritional com ponents. Considering the importance of low calorie ice cream for specific consumers, present investigation was carried out to enrich the ice cream with wine lees possessing high bioactive compounds. Five treatments namely T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 with the fine wine lees (FWL) concentration of 0 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 15 g/kg, 25 g/kg and 35 g/kg of ice cream, respectively were prepared by replacing the sugar with the sodium saccharin to make available low calorie product. the standard operating procedures were followed to analyse the samples for antioxidants proper ties, phenols, anthocyanins, tannins, and various physical and rheological parameters like pH, specific gravity, melting property, viscosity, colour intensity, overrun and fat destabilization index. Prepared enriched ice creams were evaluated for acceptance based on Hedonic scale of 9 points. The collected data of identified parameters were further statistically analyzed. the results showed that the addition of FwL improved physical, functional and rheological properties of ice cream. enriching the ice cream with 35 g maximum content of antioxidants, phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins and tannins as compared to other treatments. Also, with the increasing wine lees, the values of pH, specific gravity and overrun were decreased; however increment in viscosity, acidity, colour intensity and fat destabilization index was observed. Due to addition of wine lees, viscosity increased thereby reducing the incorporation of air in the ice cream and thus the overrun decreased. the products added with carbohydrate generally exhibit higher viscosity of ice cream and FwL contains more carbohydrates. the results of sensory evaluation showed that the treatment having fine wine lees concentration @ 25 g/kg ice cream (T4) was most acceptable based on qualitative parameters, viz.; flavor, texture, body and taste; however T5 scored maximum in case of colour. on the basis of results obtained from the study it may be concluded that addition of FwL can improve physical, functional and rheological properties of low sugar ice cream. Higher score from the sample of FWL added ice cream during sensory evaluation is positive sign and specific consumers who require low sugar ice cream may have additional benefits by taking antioxidant rich ice cream.

Optimizing extraction conditions of crude fiber, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of date seed powder.

The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions of crude fiber, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity from date seeds powder, using Response Surface Methodology. A central composite design with four independent variables; concentration of ethanol (X1=25, 50 and 75%v/v), solvent: sample ratio (X2=40:1, 50:1 and 60:1 v/w), temperature (X3=45, 55 and 65°C), and extraction time (X4=1, 2 and 3h) and a three level face centered cube design were used. A total of twenty nine experimental runs with five replicates at the central point were used to study the response variables using two extraction cycles. Maximum phenolic compound content (71.6mg GAE/100g) was extracted using 50% ethanol solution with 40:1 solvent: sample ratio for 1h at 55°C. While the maximum antioxidant activity (55.02µmol Fe(II)/g) was obtained using similar ethanol concentration and solvent: sample ratio except at lower temperature (45°C) for 2h. On other hand, the maximum flavonoids content (455.77mg CEQ/100g) was reached by using 50% concentration, 50:1 solvent: sample ratio at 65°C for 3h. In contrast, the content of fiber was not affected by the different extraction conditions. Results indicate that using combination of extracted conditions, have a great potential for extracting all depending compounds except crude fiber.

Polarity based characterization of biologically active extracts of Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth. and RP-HPLC analysis

BackgroundThe concept of botanical therapeutics has revitalized due to wide importance of plant derived pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the ameliorative characteristics of Ajuga bracteosa were studied.MethodsTotal phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, reducing power and free-radical scavenging activity were determined colorimetrically. Specific polyphenols were quantified by RP-HPLC analysis. Preliminary cytotoxicity was tested using brine shrimp lethality assay while antiproliferative activity against THP-1 and Hep-G2 cell lines was determined by MTT and SRB protocols respectively. Antileishmanial potential was assessed via MTT colorimetric method. To investigate antidiabetic prospect, α-amylase inhibition assay was adopted whereas disc diffusion method was used to detect likely protein kinase inhibitory, antibacterial and antifungal activities.ResultsAmong fifteen different extracts, maximum total phenolic content (10.75 ± 0.70 μg GAE/mg DW), total reducing power (23.90 ± 0.70 μg AAE/mg DW) and total antioxidant capacity (11.30 ± 0.80 μg AAE/mg DW) were exhibited by methanol extract with superlative percent extract recovery (17.50 ± 0.80% w/w). Chloroform-methanol extract demonstrated maximum flavonoid content (4.10 ± 0.40 μg QE/mg DW) and ethanol extract exhibited greatest radical scavenging activity (IC50 14.40 ± 0.20 μg/ml). RP-HPLC based quantification confirmed polyphenols such as pyrocatechol, gallic acid, resorcinol, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, coumarin, sinapinic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, rutin, quercetin and kaempferol. The brine shrimp lethality assay ranked 78.60% extracts as cytotoxic (LC50 ≤ 250 μg/ml) whereas significant THP-1 inhibition was shown by methanol-acetone extract (IC50 4.70 ± 0.43 μg/ml). The antiproliferative activity against Hep-G2 hepatoma cancer cell line was demonstrated by n-hexane, ethylacetate and methanol-distilled water (IC50 8.65–8.95 μg/ml) extracts. Methanol extract displayed prominent protein kinase inhibitory activity (MIC 12.5 μg/disc) while n-hexane extract revealed remarkable antileishmanial activity (IC50 4.69 ± 0.01 μg/ml). The antidiabetic potential was confirmed by n-hexane extract (44.70 ± 0.30% α-amylase inhibition at 200 μg/ml concentration) while a moderate antibacterial and antifungal activities were unveiled.ConclusionThe variation in biological spectrum resulted due to use of multiple solvent systems for extraction. We also deduce that the valuable information gathered can be utilized for discovery of anticancer, antileishmanial, antioxidant and antidiabetic bioactive lead candidates.

QUANTIFICATION OF TOTAL PHENOLIC AND TOTAL FLAVONOID CONTENT OF EXTRACTS OF TAGETES ERECTA FLOWERS

Objective: Tagetes erecta, marigold, has various ethnomedicinal uses. It has a wide variety of bioactive components such as polyphenols and flavonoids which show different bioactivities. The aim of the present study is to quantitatively estimate total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of different extracts of T. erecta flowers.Methods: Extraction was done by maceration process, sequentially from non-polar to polar. Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of T. erecta flowers were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. The extracts were analyzed for TPC and TFC using gallic acid and rutin as standard, respectively.Result: Phytochemical screening of different extracts showed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolics, fats, and oils. TPC and TFC in extracts of T. erecta varies with solvents. The study revealed that methanolic extract possesses the highest phenolic content, 49.76±0.29 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract, and also maximum flavonoid content, 13.43±0.43 mg RE/g extract, among the three extracts.Conclusion: Higher value of phenolics and flavonoid indicates higher antioxidant activity. The present study revealed that methanolic extract has the highest phenolic and flavonoid content. This indicates that the flowers may possess a good antioxidant property and further research could be carried out.

Appraisal of phytochemical and in vitro biological attributes of an unexplored folklore: Rhus Punjabensis Stewart

BackgroundThe role of plants for discovery of therapeutic potential accentuates the need to know their biological attributes. The present study aims to comprehend the biological attributes of Rhus punjabensis, an unexplored traditional medicinal plant.MethodsLeaf and stem extracts of R. punjabensis prepared in 11 different organic solvents are evaluated for multimode antioxidant potential, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined through colorimetric assays, HPLC-DAD analysis was carried out for quantification of various polyphenols in extracts. Brine shrimp lethality, SRB and MTT assays were used to elucidate plant’s cytotoxic and antileishmanial potentials. Disc diffusion assay was used to elucidate the protein kinase inhibitory, antibacterial and antifungal spectrum.ResultsEthanol + ethyl acetate yielded maximum extract recovery from leaf (6.11 ± 1.09% w/w), total phenolic content (80.5 ± 2.18 μg GAE/mg extract) and reducing power potential (165.4 ± 2.29 μg AAE/mg extract). Maximum flavonoid content (30.50 ± 1.11 μg QE/mg extract) and highest DPPH based free radical scavenging activity (IC50 11.4 ± 2.07) was exhibited by the methanol + chloroform leaf extract. The methanol extract showed maximum total antioxidant capacity (74.5 ± 2.25 μg AAE/mg DW), protein kinase inhibitory (12.5 ± 1.10 bald phenotype at 100 μg/disc) and antifungal (MIC = 25 μg/disc against Aspergillus flavus) potential. Reverse phase HPLC-DAD based quantification reveals presence of gallic acid, apigenin, rutin and catechin in various extracts. Brine shrimp lethality assay demonstrated most extracts as highly cytotoxic (LC50 < 50 μg/mL) whereas chloroform extract of leaf demonstrated maximuminhibition against human leukemia cell line (IC50 7.80 ± 0.01 μg/mL). A significant activity against leishmanial promastigotes was demonstrated by n-hexane leaf extract (IC50 = 15.78 ± 0.15 μg/mL). A better antibacterial activity,by the extracts, against Gram positive strains as compared to Gram negative was observed.ConclusionsResults recommend multiple-solvent system as a critical factor to sumptuous the biological prospective of R. punjabensis and propose it to be a useful natural hub for the discovery of novel antioxidant, anticancer, antileishmanial and antimicrobial agents.

Radical Scavenging Activity and Total Phenolic Content in Methanolic Extracts of Leaves and Male Inflorescence Catkin of Willow

Background: Phenolic compounds are widely distributed secondary metabolites which are produced by plants and considered as potent antioxidants. Objective: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties were assessed in leaf and male inflorescence catkin tissues of five Salix species grown in Iran. Methods: The methanolic extracts of leaf and male inflorescence were subjected to determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content. The antioxidant capacity of each sample was measured by 2,2 - diphenyl -1 - picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity. Results: In the leaf extracts, the highest values for total phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained for S. matsudana (4.93 mg GAEs/ g) and S. aegyptiaca (215.78 mg CEs/ g), respectively. In the male inflorescence catkin extracts, the highest value for total phenolic belonged to S. babylonica (52.70 mg GAEs/ g) and S. excelsa showed the maximum flavonoid content (635.52 mg CEs/ g). In the leaf extracts, the radical inhibition for DPPH ranged from 40.08% (S. excelsa) to 91.94% (S. aegyptiaca) and S. excelsa showed the highest superoxide (99.00%) and nitric oxide (71.73%) scavenging activities. The same level of hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity (50%) was observed for S. matsudana, S. acmophylla and S. babylonica. In the male inflorescence catkin extracts, S. excelsa (70.63%), S. acmophylla (60.25%) and S. matsudana (62.37%) showed the highest radical inhibition for DPPH, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The S. excelsa, S. aegyptiaca and S. babylonica displayed 99% superoxide radical inhibition. Conclusion: The catkin extracts showed more phenolic content than leaf extracts of species. The potent antioxidant activity of Salix supports its possible use as a natural antioxidant in food industries and other pharmaceutical preparations. Keywords: DPPH, flavonoid, NO radical scavenging capacity, Salix, superoxide scavenging activity.

Extractive determination of bioactive flavonoids from butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea Linn.)

Recently, in the field of natural product drug discovery, there has been increasing interest in effective extraction and isolation of bioactive phytomolecules from plants for use as important starting materials or chemical intermediates for new drug development. In this investigation, various solvent extracts of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea Linn.) were evaluated in terms of phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Moreover, various parameters influencing optimal flavonoid extraction were studied based on determination of the quercetin and kaempferol yields by an improved high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The results indicated that the total phenolics and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activity were maximum for the 80 % aqueous methanol extract, while the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reducing power and flavonoid content were maximum in the methanol extract. Different solvent extracts showed significantly (p < 0.05) different phytochemical yield and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the total phenol and flavonoid contents revealed good (p < 0.001) correlations with scavenging potency. The maximum flavonoid content was found for methanol concentration, time, temperature, and solid-to-liquid ratio of 80 %, 60 min, 80 °C, and 1:20 g/mL, respectively. It is concluded that butterfly pea leaf can be considered a potential source of flavonoids with good antioxidant properties for use in dietary applications. The extraction protocols developed in this study can be readily scaled up for industrial applications.

Comparative evaluation of total phenols, flavonoids content and antioxidant potential of leaf and fruit extracts of Omani Ziziphus jujuba L

The present study was designed to prepare different extracts from the leaves and fruit of Omani Ziziphus jujuba (Z. jujube) and to determine their total phenols and flavonoids content, including antioxidant activity, by applying modified established methods. Different extracts were prepared by Soxhlet extraction with methanol of powdered samples of either leaves or fruit. Both extracts were separately suspended in water and fractionated using solvents of different polarities, namely, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, methanol and water, in an increasing polarity pattern. The different parameters mentioned above were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR), aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods, as applied to each assay. The maximum content of total phenols in leaves was detected in the ethyl acetate extract, and the lowest was in the water extract. A similar result was also obtained from fruit extracts of Ziziphus jujube. However, the maximum content of flavonoids was detected in chloroform extract, and the minimum content was observed in hexane extract, with a similar trend being observed for total flavonoids content in the case of fruit extracts. Both the leaf and fruit extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with the maximum percentage of inhibition being obtained in chloroform and hexane extracts and the lowest inhibition in the ethyl acetate extract. The present study demonstrates that all polar extracts of Omani Z. jujuba have significant antioxidant effects. This report is the first in Oman describing total phenols and flavonoids content, including assessment of antioxidant activity, of the extracts of Omani Z. jujube. Therefore, the active polar extracts of Omani Z. jujuba could be candidates for use as antibiotics.

Kinetics Extraction Modelling and Antiproliferative Activity of Clinacanthus nutans Water Extract.

Clinacanthus nutans is widely grown in tropical Asia and locally known “belalai gajah” or Sabah snake grass. It has been used as a natural product to treat skin rashes, snake bites, lesion caused by herpes, diabetes, fever, and cancer. Therefore, the objectives of this research are to determine the maximum yield and time of exhaustive flavonoids extraction using Peleg's model and to evaluate potential of antiproliferative activity on human lung cancer cell (A549). The extraction process was carried out on fresh and dried leaves at 28 to 30°C with liquid-to-solid ratio of 10 mL/g for 72 hrs. The extracts were collected intermittently analysed using mathematical Peleg's model and RP-HPLC. The highest amount of flavonoids was used to evaluate the inhibitory concentration (IC50) via 2D cell culture of A549. Based on the results obtained, the predicted maximum extract density was observed at 29.20 ± 14.54 hrs of extraction (t exhaustive). However, the exhaustive time of extraction to acquire maximum flavonoids content exhibited approximately 10 hrs earlier. Therefore, 18 hrs of extraction time was chosen to acquire high content of flavonoids. The best antiproliferative effect (IC50) on A549 cell line was observed at 138.82 ± 0.60 µg/mL. In conclusion, the flavonoids content in Clinacanthus nutans water extract possesses potential antiproliferative properties against A549, suggesting an alternative approach for cancer treatment.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ANTIOXIDANT PROFILES OF BARK, LEAVES AND SEEDS OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI (INDIAN BLACKBERRY)

Syzygiumcumini plant is well known for its medicinal values. This study focuses on the comparative antioxidative capacity of bark, leaves and seeds of Syzygiumcumini plant.Several fractions were made from the crude methanolic extract of bark, leaves and seeds in n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol and aqueous.Leaves aqueous fraction showed highest phenolic content of 253.6 ± 0.025mg/mL while seed aqueous showed maximum flavonoid content of 0.732 ± 0.0005 mg/mL among all extracts. Bark Ethyl acetate fraction via reducing power assay showed absorbance 3.27 ± 0.19 abs and methanolic and Ethyl acetate fraction of leaves via phosphomolybdate assay showed maximum reducing strength of 15.97 ± 0.008 and 15.97 ± 0.037 mg/mL respectively among all. Seed Chloroform fraction showed maximum TEAC value of 6.28 whereas, Ethyl acetate leaves fraction has shown maximum DPPH inhibition. Where, Hexane fraction of bark showed maximum antioxidant consumption against peroxyl radical at 1.24 at 500 nm among all.The results of the assays showed that, in general, all the extracts of Syzygiumcuminiposses considerable antioxidant and radical scavenging properties, however, polar fractions of all three samples i.e., aqueous and ethyl acetate have exhibited a remarkable antioxidant behavior in all the antioxidant assays.

Analysis of Quercetin and Kaempferol in an Alcoholic Extract of Convolvulus pilosellifolius using HPLC

A simple, rapid, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for identification and determination of flavonoids in Convolvulus pilosellifolius. The chromatographic separation was achieved in less than 6 min using C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 3 μm) with isocratic mixture of methanol and water containing 0.1 percent v/v formic acid in the ration of 80:20 at 258 nm with a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The method was validated in the linear calibration curve ranged between 1 and 300 μg/mL with detection limits of 0.39 and 0.26 μg/mL and quantification limits of 1.20 and 0.79 μg/mL for quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. Good repeatability of the method were achieved at percent relative standard deviation (RSD < 2.18 percent) with respect to inter- and intraday repeatability. Recovery values were found to be in the range of 98.2–100.2 percent, indicating high accuracy of the method. The maximum flavonoid contents were 1.07 and 1.54 percent for quercetin and kaempferol, respectively.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ НЕКОТОРЫХ ВИДОВ РОДА FILIPENDULA MILL. НА СОДЕРЖАНИЕ ФЛАВОНОИДОВ И АНТИОКСИДАНТНУЮ АКТИВНОСТЬ

The content of total flavonoids and antioxidant activity of 12 samples of leaves and flowers of three species of the genus Filipendula: F. ulmaria, F. vulgaris, F. stepposa. HPLC to determine the composition of flavonoids in the leaves. It found that all studied species Filipendula contain significant amounts of flavonoids: the leaves F. ulmaria – up to 3,1%, in the flowers – up to 3,8%, in F. stepposa – 3,9 and 4,2%, respectively. The maximum content of flavonoids from F. vulgaris – 7,2% in the leaves, 8,0% in the flowers. HPLC identified in the leaves of meadowsweet quercetin, kaempferol, hyperoside, avikulyarin and ellagic acid. Plants Filipendula can be recommended for use as feedstock containing flavonoids.

Phytochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial, and α-amylase inhibitory properties of different extracts from betel leaves

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, phenol content, and α-amylase inhibitory effects of a local variety of betel leaves were evaluated. The effects of various solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate) on phenols and antioxidant activities were also studied. Methanol and ethanol (90%) extracts showed maximum phenolic contents (205.2 and 202.9mgGAE/g, respectively). Maximum flavonoid contents were determined using 90% acetone (82.5mgCE/g), and the highest inhibition percentage of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical was exhibited by 90% ethanol (percent inhibition, 94%). α-Amylase activity assay showed that α-amylase inhibitory activities were positively correlated with the total phenolic content of ethanol and methanol. Considering antimicrobial activities, we found that all of the Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria were inhibited by betel leaf extract except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results could provide a basis of future studies on betel leaves used in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Phenolic composition and comparison of antioxidant activity of alcoholic extracts of Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has long been regarded as a food and medicinal plant. At the present work, the antioxidant activity of the methanol, ethanol and methanol/ethanol (1:1) extracts of leaf fraction through various in vitro models was investigated in Iranian peppermints for the first time. Total phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents were also determined. Our results showed the alcoholic extracts had different responses with different antioxidant methods. The methanol extract had maximum phenol content (3.57 ± 0.26 g Gallic acid/100 g Peppermint powder) and showed best superoxide radical (47.05 ± 0.85 %) and hydrogen peroxide (91.05 ± 1.50 %) scavenging activities. The methanol/ethanol (1:1) extract had maximum flavonoid (3.33 ± 0.12 g quercetin/100 g Peppermint powder) and anthocyanin contents (1.74 ± 0.21 g/100 g Peppermint powder) and showed best DPPH radical scavenging activity (82.82 ± 2.57 %, IC50 = 10.02 ± 0.63 mg/mL) as well as ferric reducing power (184.22 ± 14.10 μmol/100 g Peppermint powder). The ethanol extract only showed the highest nitric oxide radical scavenging activity (80.13 ± 7.12 %). Chlorogenic acid, rutin, and caffeic acid were found by HPLC analysis of the main phenolic components. These results show, Peppermint alcoholic extracts can be used as a natural antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress in human beings and as a possible food supplement or in pharmaceutical applications.

Evaluation of antioxidant efficacy of different fractions of Tagetes erecta L. Flowers

Oxidative stress is an important pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases. Free radicals and other reactive oxygen species are recognized as agents involved in the pathogenesis of sicknesses. The main characteristic of an antioxidant is its ability to trap free radical. Plants rich in phenolic compounds are generally reported to show good antioxidant activity. Tagetes erecta L (Marigold) belongs to the family Asteraceae. The flowers are especially employed to cure eye diseases, colds, conjunctivitis, coughs, ulcer, bleeding piles and to purify blood. The extractive efficiency of phenolic compounds from plant material is greatly dependent on the choice of solvent. In this study, six solvents of different polarity viz., hexane, toluene, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and water have been used for the extraction of Tagetes erecta L. flower by individual cold percolation method. Phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts were determined using Folin- ciocalteu assays and aluminium chloride colorimetric method respectively. Antioxidant activity was carried out by DPPH radical scavenging activity assay, superoxide free radical scavenging (SO) assay, ABTS radical cation scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Reducing capacity assessment. Maximum extractive yield was in water extract followed by methanol extract. There was a direct correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Methanolic extract had maximum phenolic content and maximum FRAP and SO activity. ABTS and DPPH did not show positive correlation with total phenol content in ethyl acetate extract. Ethyl acetate extract had maximum flavonoid content. T. erecta flowers can be used as a natural source of antioxidants to combat the oxidative stress related disorders. Key word: Tagetes erecta, Influence of solvent, Antioxidant activity, positive correlation

Phenolic compounds of Sophora flavescens Soland. of Russian origin

A qualitative composition and a quantitative content of phenolic compounds of underground and above-ground parts of Sophora flavescens Soland. (the Fabaceae family) growing in Russia (Transbaikalia, Primorsky Krai, Aga Buryat Autonomous District) were studied. Eleven compounds were isolated from the roots and rhizomes: kushenol A, isokurarinone, kuraridine, sophoraflavanone G, kurarinone, isoxanthohumol, umbeliferon, and, for the first time, scopoletin, ferulic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids. Ten phenolic compounds were identified in the herb of S. flavescens: cynaroside, cosmosiin, caffeic acid, and, for the first time, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, umbelliferone, rutin, chlorogenic, and neochlorogenic acids. Dominant compounds in the underground part were kurarinone and sophoraflavanone G, and in the above-ground part, cynaroside and rutin. It was shown that the maximum content of flavonoids in the underground part of S. flavescens was accumulated in the epidermal layers of rhizomes. The dynamics of flavonoids accumulation in S. flavescens was studied.

Distribution of extractive substances in wood of the Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.)

A distribution of extractive substances by height on the trunk and radius of the wood of the Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) was investigated. The maximum flavonoid content in terms of dihydroquercetin (the main flavonoid of the larch wood) was shown to be in the butt part of the tree. In the radial direction, this parameter increased from the center to periphery of the heartwood and reached the maximum value at the sapwood boundary. The maximum content of arabinogalactan (AG) was observed in the bottom and in the top of the trunk. The distribution of the extractive substances was studied in roots of the Siberian larch for the first time.

Flavonoid Contents From Some Exotic Tree Species Growing In Rajasthan Desert

Evaluation of flavonoid contents from four selected exotic tree species like Colophospermum mopane, Holoptelea integrifolia, Kigelia pinnata and Putranjiva roxburghii growing in Rajasthan Desert was carried out. The leaves of selected trees were analysed for flavonoid contents i.e. Quercetin and Kaempferol. Flavonoid contents like Quercetin and Kaempferol were isolated and identified. The maximum total flavonoid contents (17.10mg./gdw) was found in leaves of Putranjiva roxburghii while minimum (9.20mg./gdw) in leaves of Holoptelea integrifolia.