Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVII, Issue 2
Written by Gabriela POPA, Silvana DĂNĂILĂ-GUIDEA, Ecaterina DAMIAN, Gabriela MĂRGĂRIT, Diana GROPOȘILĂ-CONSTANTINESCU
The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity in aqueous, 70% ethanolic and 80% methanolic extracts of Helichrysum arenarium inflorescences. Phytochemical screening was performed on the three extracts to detect the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, phytosterols and tannins. The total flavonoid content was determined by aluminium chloride colorimetric assay at 420 nm. Total phenol content was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent at 765 nm. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl- -picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. The results showed that among the three samples studied, the 70% ethanol extracts had the highest polyphenol and flavonoid values. Also, the antioxidant activity of the 70% ethanol extract was higher than that of the aqueous and 80% methanol extracts. The high content of phenols and flavonoids indicated that these compounds contribute to the antioxidant activity of Helichrysum arenarium. Phytochemical examination revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, phytosterols and tannins in all extracts.
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