Metal chelating, radical-scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidative activities of various extracts from two endemic species belonging to the genus Prangos Lindl. (Umbelliferae)

Medicinal applications have been reported for some Prangos species as emollient, carminative [1], antifungal [2], antioxidant [3], antibacterial, cytokine release inhibitor [4], and anti-HIV [5]. This study was undertaken to determine metal chelating, radical scavenging, and anti-lipid peroxidative properties of leaf extracts from two endemic species; Prangos denticulata Fisch. & Mey. and Prangos platychloena Boiss. ex Tchihat. subsp engizekensis H. Duman et M.F. Watson. In addition, the amounts of total phenol compounds were determined.The methanol and the hot water extracts were more effective in all assays than the acetone extracts. P. denticulata hot water extract showed the highest radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀=0.048±0.001mg/ml). The strongest chelating effect was obtained from the P. platychloena subsp. engizekensis water extract (IC₅₀=0.76±0.02mg/ml). A significant relationship between the antioxidative effects and total phenolic contents were found (p<0.05). Moreover, the hot water extracts showed a notable capacity to suppress lipid peroxidation. This study suggests that two endemic Prangos species can potentially be used as a readily accessible source of natural antioxidants. They can be exploited for its use against a number of disorders including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Keywords: Prangos denticulata, Prangos platychloena subsp. engizekensis, endemic plant, radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation, metal chelating, antioxidant, total phenol

References: 1. Zargari A (1988) Medicinal Plants. Tehran University Publications, Tehran.

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3. Mavi A et al. (2004) Biol & Pharm Bull 27: 702.

4. Tada Y et al. (2002) Phytochemistry 59: 649.

5. Shikishima Y et al. (2001) Chem & Pharm Bull 49: 877.