Planta Med 2011; 77 - PM105
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1282863

Determination of in vitro antioxidant potential of Cornus mas L. and its polyphenol content

E Celep 1, A Aydın 2, H Kırmızıbekmez 1, E Yeşilada 1
  • 1Yeditepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy 34755 Kayisdagi Istanbul/Turkey
  • 2Yeditepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology 34755 Kayisdagi Istanbul/Turkey

Cornus mas L. (Cornaceae) is one of the two species of the genus Cornus L. represented in the Turkish flora [1]. Its leaves have been widely used in Anatolian folk medicine against diarrhea and diabetes [2]. This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant potential of the 80% methanolic extract prepared from the leaves. The antioxidant properties were examined by using different in vitro systems. Ascorbic acid and BHT were used as reference substances. In the DPPH test IC50 value was found to be 418±2.26µg/mL. The extract showed a strong superoxide scavenging activity (IC50=114.75±3.12µg/mL). Moreover, the result of total antioxidant capacity as equivalent to ascorbic acid was 228±5.08mg AA/g dry extract. Ferric-reducing antioxidant power and metal-chelating activities of 1mg/mLextract were 1487±7.46µmol FeSO4/g dry extract and 32.7%, respectively. Total phenolic content 248±0.41µg gallic acid/mg extract, the flavonoid content was 75±0.24µg quercetin/mg extract. These results suggest that Cornus mas L. leaf extract exert significant in vitro antioxidant potential and further in vivo studies are in progress.

References: [1] Chamberlain DF (2001) Flora of Turkey and The East Aegan Islands, Davis P.H (ed.), Edinburgh, Vol 4, pp. 539–540

[2] Yeşilada et al. (1999) Journal of Ethnopharmacology 64: 195–210