Affiliation:
1. Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
2. Department of Pharmacy Services, Ankara University, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara, Türkiye
3. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
Abstract
Background:
Ballota acetabulosa native to the Mediterranean region, belonging to
the Lamiaceae family, holds significance in folk medicine. Externally, it is applied for treating
cuts and burns, while internally, it is utilized to alleviate inflammation, suppress cough, and address
gastrointestinal issues.
Methods:
This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of the essential oil of Ballota
acetabulosa and to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the essential oil, as well as the aqueous
and ethanolic extracts of the plant. Essential oil analysis was performed using Gas Chromatography-
Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), while 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical
scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays were applied to the essential oil,
water, and ethanol extracts of the plant.
Results:
Spathulenol was found to be the predominant constituent of the essential oil, comprising
25.03% of the oil. Compared to the control group (Propyl gallate for DPPH, IC50 0.109;
BHT for inhibition of lipid peroxidation, IC50 0.133), the essential oil was found to have insignificant
antioxidant activity (IC50 value 10.395 mg/mL for DPPH, 1.051 mg/mL for inhibition of
lipid peroxidation). Moreover, ethanolic extract (IC50 value 1.583 mg/mL for DPPH, 0.029
mg/mL for inhibition of lipid peroxidation) exerted more antioxidant activity than aqueous extract
(IC50 value 1.9017 mg/mL for DPPH, 0.161 mg/mL for inhibition of lipid peroxidation).
Conclusion:
Hitherto, this is the earliest report on the composition and activity of the essential
oil Ballota acetabulosa. However, further investigation of different antioxidant capacity assays
is suggested to highlight potential variations in mechanisms of action and subsequent results.
Everything considered, this study advances the comprehension of the chemical composition and
possible therapeutic uses of Ballota acetabulosa, highlighting the need for more research into its
uses.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.