Evaluation of willow herb's (Epilobium angustofolium L.) antioxidant and radical scavenging capacities

Phytother Res. 2007 Dec;21(12):1242-5. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2244.

Abstract

The present study investigated the antioxidative properties of root, leaf and stalk of Epilobium angustofolium L. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase), quantities of malonyldialdehyde, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and reduced glutathione and also the content of total flavonoids, chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, vitamin C and soluble proteins were determined. The results indicate that extracts from all plant organs exhibited antioxidant activity. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the leaves. Radical scavenging capacity (RSC), determined by DPPH assay, was highest in the leaves as well as total reducing power determined by FRAP assay. Lipofuscin 'plant age pigments' were also determined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / analysis
  • Epilobium / chemistry*
  • Epilobium / enzymology
  • Flavonoids / analysis
  • Free Radical Scavengers / analysis*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / metabolism
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Hydroxyl Radical / metabolism
  • Malondialdehyde / analysis
  • Pigments, Biological / analysis*
  • Plant Proteins / analysis
  • Superoxides / metabolism

Substances

  • Flavonoids
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Pigments, Biological
  • Plant Proteins
  • Superoxides
  • Hydroxyl Radical
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Glutathione
  • Ascorbic Acid