A study of the antioxidants in Oxytropis pilosa (L.) DC.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the antioxidative potential of Oxytropis pilosa (L.) DC. during the active vegetative period. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase), the quantities of malonyldialdehyde, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and reduced glutathione and the content of total flavonoids, chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids and soluble proteins were determined. The results showed that extracts from all plant organs exhibited antioxidant activity. The highest antioxidant ability was observed in the leaves where all the investigated antioxidant enzymes were active in a specific way: During the spring season, peroxidase showed the maximum activity 18.54 U mg-1 prot., catalase peaked in summer 9.04 U mg-1 prot, whereas, during the autumn season, superoxide dismutase showed maximum activity, 54.28 U mg-1 prot. Reduced glutathione, pigments and carotenoids present in the leaves contribute to the high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, inhibition of chemiluminiscence activity of Balb/c mice blood phagocytes by crude leaf extracts were 30.2 % and 36.5 %.