Antioxidant capacity of Bifora radians Bieb

Thegenus Bifora Hoffm. (Apiaceae=Umbelliferare) is represented by two species in Turkey, namely Bifora testiculata (L.) Sprengel and B. radians Bieb. [1] B. radians is an annual herb with typical odor in the fieldsides especially chalky of Central Anatolia and known locally as „yabani kişnişotu, küçük kişnişotu or aşuti“ [1,2]. This species is used in traditional medicine as a stomachic and carminative in Turkey. Furthermore, the aerial parts of this plant has been used as an aromatic in foods especially soup in Doğubeyazıt-Van [2]. B. radians is rich in alkanals and alkenals [3]. The phenolic contents of the samples were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol reagent.The antioxidant activity of diethyl ether and methanol extracts were studied by two different techniques: qualitative DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) and the TBA assays. Both extracts showed a slightly antioxidant activity with the qualitative DPPH^· test. Methanol extract of the plant was found to possess moderate inhibitory activity (IC₅₀=89.43±3,09) on the lipid peroxydation whereas the nonpolar fraction (IC₅₀=261.32±2,72) showed a slightly antioxidant activity. Propyl gallate (IC₅₀=0.09±0,18) is used as a positive control.

Keywords: Bifora radians, antioxidant activity, Apiaceae

References: 1. Hedge IC, Lamond JM (1972) Bifora Hoffm. in Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Ed. Davis, P.H., University Press, Edinburgh, Vol. 4, pp. 332–333.

2. Baytop T (1999) „Türkiye'de Bitkiler ile Tedavi. Geçmişte ve Bugün“. 2nd ed. Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri, İstanbul. pp. 151–152.

3. Baser HC, Demircakmak B, Ermin N, Demirci F, Boydag I (1998)J Essent Oil Res 10(4): 451–452.