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Hypericum androsaemum L., commonly known as 'tutsan' or 'shrubby St. John's Wort', is a member of the Hypericum genus found growing spontaneously in the Mediterranean area and is cultivated extensively as an ornamental plant due to the showy color variation in its fresh berry-like capsules, which turn from red to shiny black as they ripen. Tutsan has also been used in Portuguese and Spanish folk medicine to treat depression. In this study, we assessed the beneficial role of the water extract of H. androsaemum red berries (WE) in an experimental animal model of post-stroke depression. WE was obtained by decoction of H. androsaemum red berries, and its content of ten bioactive compounds was determined through HPLC-DAD analysis. Behavioral tests were carried out using a mouse model of post stroke depression to examine the antidepressive-like activity of WE at two doses (15 and 30 mg/kg bw). In addition, the in vivo antioxidant activity in the mouse brain was evaluated by measuring CAT, GSH, and SOD activity and TBARS levels. WE contained significant amounts of shikimic acid (110.0 g/kg), chlorogenic acid (56.9 g/kg), catechin (5.8 g/kg) and hyperoside (2.7 g/kg). Overall, the highest dosage of WE was found to significantly reduce the symptoms of depression, restoring normal behaviour and reducing levels of oxidative stress by increasing endogenous antioxidant defenses. The protective effects of WE in post-stroke depression in a mouse model were demonstrated in vivo for the first time, and correlated with the antioxidant capacity of its bioactive constituents., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The incidence of neurological disorders is growing in developed countries together with increased lifespan. Nowadays, there are still no effective treatments for neurodegenerative pathologies, which make necessary to search for new therapeutic agents. Natural products, most of them used in traditional medicine, are considered promising alternatives for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Honokiol is a natural bioactive phenylpropanoid compound, belonging to the class of neolignan, found in notable amounts in the bark of Magnolia tree, and has been reported to exert diverse pharmacological properties including neuroprotective activities. Honokiol can permeate the blood brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid to increase its bioavailability in neurological tissues. Diverse studies have provided evidence on the neuroprotective effect of honokiol in the central nervous system, due to its potent antioxidant activity, and amelioration of the excitotoxicity mainly related to the blockade of glutamate receptors and reduction in neuroinflammation. In addition, recent studies suggest that honokiol can attenuate neurotoxicity exerted by abnormally aggregated Aβ in Alzheimer's disease. The present work summarizes what is currently known concerning the neuroprotective effects of honokiol and its potential molecular mechanisms of action, which make it considered as a promising agent in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(6):760-769, 2017., (© 2017 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.)

Over the course of the last three decades, a large body of evidence has shown that polyphenols, the secondary metabolites occurring in plant foods and beverages, exert protective effects due to their antioxidant activity mediated through different mechanisms ranging from direct radical scavenging and metal chelating activities, to the capacity to inhibit pro-oxidant enzymes and to target specific cell-signalling pathways. In the last decade, dietary components, and polyphenols in particular have gained considerable attention as chemopreventive agents against different types of cancer. The signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) family is a group of cytoplasmic transcription factors which interact with specific sequences of DNA, inducing the expression of specific genes which in turn give rise to adaptive and highly specific biological responses. Growing evidence suggests that, of the seven STAT members identified, STAT3 is over-expressed in many human tumors (i.e. solid tumors and hematological malignancies) promoting the onset and development of cancer in humans by inhibiting apoptosis or by inducing cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This review article aims to assess the most recent studies on the role of STATs, with focus on STAT3, in oncogenesis, and the promising effects of some polyphenols on STAT expression. Moreover, the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of polyphenols which have an influence on STAT expression are discussed, with a focus on their ability to target specific cell-signalling pathways., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.)

Liver diseases caused by viral hepatitis infections have a negative impact on global health. Approximately 30 million people in the USA and 29 million people in the European Union suffer from chronic liver disease. There are many kinds of diseases of the liver, caused by viruses, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, or by certain drugs and poisons including excessive alcohol consumption. Many herbal medicines are used in traditional medicine for their protective and therapeutic properties against liver diseases. Among their bioactive components, flavonoids have been found to be active against liver dysfunction and damage caused by liver diseases. Extensive evidences report that quercetin (QE), a major flavonol commonly found in apple, berries, onion, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, tea, pepper, tomato, whole gain, cocoa and red wine, displays a wide range of healthy properties, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and hepatoprotective activities against various hepatic ailments. This review aims to critically analyze the available literature regarding the hepatoprotective effects of QE with special emphasis on its mechanisms of actions. To provide a complete picture of QE, its distribution, chemistry, biosynthesis and bioavailability are reported. Overall, data in literature shows that QE appears to be a promising hepatoprotective compound., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Low vision and blindness are important health problems that affect millions of people throughout the world. The most common and important pathologies are diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma as well as cataracts. The latter consists of an opacification of the lens of the eye which impedes the passage of light and represents one of the most important causes of vision loss. Among the risk factors for cataract development, there are life-style factors such as the use of tobacco, abuse of alcohol and unhealthy diet. In light of this, dietary components that possess anti-oxidant activity, such as polyphenols for instance, can be considered good candidates for human studies in the prevention and or treatment of such diseases. Among dietary components, the antioxidant capacity of certain polyphenols is well known, and these could be good candidates. In this review we focus our attention on the current scientific literature regarding to the effects of resveratrol on cataracts and other ocular diseases, along with its potential mechanism/s of action. A large number of preclinical studies support the involvement of resveratrol in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases induced by oxidative stress and inflammation, such as age-related cataract., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The prevalence of mental diseases, especially neurodegenerative disorders, is ever-increasing, while treatment options for such disorders are limited and insufficient. In this scarcity of available medication, it is a feasible strategy to search for potential drugs among natural compounds, such as those found in plants. One such plant source is the root of Chinese sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae), which contains several compounds reported to possess neuroprotective activities. The most important of these compounds are tanshinones, which have been reported to possess ameliorative activity against a myriad of mental diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and glioma, along with promoting neuronal differentiation and manifesting antinociceptive and anticonvulsant outcomes. This review offers a critical evaluation of the utility of tanshinones to treat mental illnesses, and sheds light on the underlying mechanisms through which these naturally occurring compounds confer neuroprotection.

Cataract is one of the most important leading causes of blindness in the world. Extensive research showed that oxidative stress may play an important role in the initiation and progression of a cataract and other age-related eye diseases. Extra-generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the eye tissue has been shown as one of the most important risk factors for cataracts and other age-related eye diseases. With respect to this, it can be hypothesized that dietary antioxidants may be useful in the prevention and/or mitigation of cataract. Lutein is an important xanthophyll which is widely found in different vegetables such as spinach, kale and carrots as well as some other foods such as eggs. Lutein is concentrated in the macula and suppresses the oxidative stress in the eye tissues. A plethora of literature has shown that increased lutein consumption has a close correlation with reduction in the incidence of cataract. Despite this general information, there is a negligible number of review articles considering the beneficial effects of lutein on cataracts and age-related eye diseases. The present review is aimed at discussing the role of oxidative stress in the initiation and progression of a cataract and the possible beneficial effects of lutein in maintaining retinal health and fighting cataract. We also provide a perspective on the chemistry, sources, bioavailability and safety of lutein.

Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA) is a plant secondary metabolite, which shows antioxidant activity and is commonly found in many plant-based foods and beverages. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the development of many human chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative pathologies, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cancer. GA and its derivative, methyl-3-O-methyl gallate (M3OMG), possess physiological and pharmacological activities closely related to their antioxidant properties. This paper describes the antidepressive-like effects of intraperitoneal administration of GA and two synthetic analogues, M3OMG and P3OMG (propyl-3-O-methylgallate), in balb/c mice with post-stroke depression, a secondary form of depression that could be due to oxidative stress occurring during cerebral ischemia and the following reperfusion. Moreover, this study determined the in vivo antioxidant activity of these compounds through the evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat) activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in mouse brain. GA and its synthetic analogues were found to be active (at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg) in the modulation of depressive symptoms and the reduction of oxidative stress, restoring normal behavior and, at least in part, antioxidant endogenous defenses, with M3OMG being the most active of these compounds. SOD, TBARS, and GSH all showed strong correlation with behavioral parameters, suggesting that oxidative stress is tightly linked to the pathological processes involved in stroke and PSD. As a whole, the obtained results show that the administration of GA, M3OMG and P3OMG induce a reduction in depressive symptoms and oxidative stress.

The World Health Organization estimated that the proportion of older people (over 60 years) will increase from 11% to 22% during next 40 years throughout the world. With respect to this, the morbidity and mortality rates of age-related diseases will increase. Mental diseases are the most common and important health problems among elderly people. Therefore, much attention has been paid to the discovery of neuroprotective drugs with high efficacy and negligible adverse effects. A growing body of scientific evidence has shown that phytochemicals possess neuroprotective effects and also mitigate neurodegeneration under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. Polyphenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, are known as most common chemical class of phytochemicals which possess a multiple range of health promoting effects. Chrysin, belonging to the flavone class, is one of the most important bioactive constituents of different fruits, vegetables and even mushrooms. Chrysin possesses potent neuroprotective effects and suppress neuroinflammation. In addition, chrysin improves cognitive decline and possesses a potent anti-amyloidogenic and neurotrophic effects. Furthermore, beneficial effects of chrysin on both depression and epilepsy have been reported. The present paper aimed to critically review the available literature data regarding the neuroprotective effects of chrysin as well as its chemistry, sources and bioavailability., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The excessive production of reactive oxygen species in nervous tissues is considered one of the major risk factors of neurodegenerative diseases. During the last two decades, much attention has been paid to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of natural products and compounds isolated from natural products which are often characterized by high efficacy and low adverse effects. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid, widely present in different medicinal herbs, especially in the genus Berberis. It is mainly used as antidiarrhoeal, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal agent. However, current research has focused on its beneficial role in neurodegenerative diseases, mainly due to its powerful antioxidant effect. The therapeutic potential of Berberine in different neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Huntington disease has been brought to evidence by numerous studies. However, a limited number of reviews focus on the beneficial role of Berberine against neurodegeneration. The main objective of this review is to discuss the role of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration and the potential role of antioxidant compounds, in particular Berberine which is analyzed in its chemical structure, source, bioavailability, therapeutic potential, with special attention to its mechanism of action at a molecular level., (Copyright © 2015 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.)

Obesity is one of the most serious global health problems, which increases the risk of other different chronic diseases. The crucial role of oxidative stress in the initiation and progression of obesity leads to the hypothesis that antioxidants can be used as therapeutic agents for obesity treatment. Among antioxidants, much attention has been paid to polyphenols due to their negligible adverse effects. Among them, quercetin is one of the most common dietary antioxidants widely distributed in different plant materials, such as fruits, vegetables and cereals. Quercetin shows a wide range of biological and health-promoting effects, such as anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Furthermore, quercetin has anti-obesity activity through mitogen-activated protein kinase and adenine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. In this study, we reviewed the available scientific reports concerning the beneficial role of quercetin against obesity with emphasis on its mechanisms of action., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease mainly caused by deposition of low-density lipoprotein (LD) cholesterol in macrophages of arterial walls. Atherosclerosis leads to heart attacks as well as stroke. Epidemiological studies showed that there is an inverse correlation between fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of atherosclerosis. The promising effect of high vegetable and fruit containing diet on atherosclerosis is approved by several experimental studies on isolated phytochemicals such as flavonoids. Flavonoids are known to up-regulate endogenous antioxidant system, suppress oxidative and nitrosative stress, decrease macrophage oxidative stress through cellular oxygenase inhibition as well as interaction with several signal transduction pathways and from these ways, have therapeutic effects against atherosclerosis. Naringenin is a well known flavonoid belonging to the chemical class of flavanones. It is especially abundant in citrus fruits, especially grapefruits. A plethora of evidences ascribes to naringenin antiatherosclerotic effects. Naringenin abilities to decrease LDL and triglycerides as well as inhibit glucose uptake; increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL); co-oxidation of NADH; suppress protein oxidation; protect against intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1); suppress macrophage inflammation; inhibit leukotriene B4, monocyte adhesion and foam cell formation; induce of HO-1 and G 0/G 1 cell cycle arrest in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and down regulate atherosclerosis related genes are believed to have crucial role in the promising role against atherosclerosis. In the present review, we have summarized the available literature data on the anti-atherosclerotic effects of naringenin and its possible mechanisms of action.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in both initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer and Parkinson. Therefore, much attention has been paid to antioxidants for developing therapeutic strategies for the neurodegenerative diseases. However, as serious adverse effects are related to synthetic antioxidants, recent research has been focused on natural products especially phenolic antioxidants. In the present article, we critically review the available literature related to the beneficial role of ferulic acid on Alzheimer's disease, since it is a natural antioxidant which is widely found in different fruits and vegetables. We also provide some informations about sources, chemical structure, bioavailability and clinical impacts of ferulic acid.

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of different serious chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Recent research has been focused on the beneficial role of dietary antioxidants against oxidative stress both under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Theobroma cacao L. (cacao tree) is an evergreen tree which is native to South America. It is a plant of great economic importance and its seeds are commonly used to produce cocoa powder and chocolate. In addition to its uses in food industry, cocoa is a rich source of polyphenolic antioxidants. There is a plethora of in vitro and in vivo studies that report cocoa antioxidant capacity. The protective activity of cocoa seems to be due to its phytochemical constituents, especially catechins. However, bioavailability of cocoa polyphenolic constituents following oral administration is very low (nanomolar concentrations). In the present paper, we critically reviewed the available literature on the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of cocoa and its polyphenolic constituents. In addition to these, we provide brief information about cultivation, phytochemistry, bioavailability and clinical impacts of cocoa.

Dementia is a strongly age-related syndrome due to cognitive decline that can be considered a typical example of the combination of physiological and pathological aging-associated changes occurring in old people; it ranges from intact cognition to mild cognitive impairment, which is an intermediate stage of cognitive deterioration, and dementia. The spread of this syndrome has induced to study and try to reduce dementia modifiable risk factors. They include insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, cognitive inactivity or low educational attainment as well as physical inactivity and incorrect diet, which can be considered one of the most important factors. One emerging strategy to decrease the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia may be the use of nutritional interventions. In the last decade, prospective data have suggested that high fruit and vegetable intakes are related to improved cognitive functions and reduced risks of developing a neurodegenerative process. The protective effects against neurodegeneration could be in part due to the intake of flavonoids that have been associated with several health benefits such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, increased neuronal signaling, and improved metabolic functions. The present article is aimed at reviewing scientific studies that show the protective effects of flavonoid intake against mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Stroke is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and is known as a leading cause of death in the world. Despite to its high prevalence, there are limited effective therapeutic strategies for stroke till now. However, oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of stroke and therefore, antioxidant therapy could be used as a new therapeutic strategy. Among the antioxidants, some natural compounds are very interesting due to their low adverse effects. Resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural polyphenolic antioxidant found in grape skin, grape products, and peanuts as well as in red wine. In recent years, much attention has been paid to resveratrol due to its wide range of antioxidant actions. Resveratrol possesses cardioprotective actions through stimulation of nitric oxide production as well as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Here we review the available literatures on beneficial role of resveratrol on ischemic stroke. We also provide information about chemistry, sources, bioavailability, as well as clinical impacts of resveratrol.

Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a phenolic acid widely distributed in many different families of higher plants, both in free state, and as a part of more complex molecules, such as ester derivatives or polymers. In nature, gallic acid and its derivatives are present in nearly every part of the plant, such as bark, wood, leaf, fruit, root and seed. They are present in different concentrations in common foodstuffs such as blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, plums, grapes, mango, cashew nut, hazelnut, walnut, tea, wine and so on. After consumption, about 70% of gallic acid is adsorbed and then excreted in the urine as 4-O-methylgallic acid. Differently, the ester derivatives of gallic acid, such as catechin gallate ester or gallotannins, are hydrolyzed to gallic acid before being metabolized to methylated derivatives. Gallic acid is a well known antioxidant compounds which has neuroprotective actions in different models of neurodegeneration, neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. In this review, we discuss about the neuroprotective actions of gallic acid and derivatives and their potential mechanisms of action.

Gallic acid has been identified as an antioxidant component of the edible and medicinal plant Peltiphyllum peltatum. The present study examined its potential protective role against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes. Oxidative stress was induced by NaF administration through drinking water (1030.675 mg m(-3) for one week). Gallic acid at 10 mg kg(-1) and 20 mg kg(-1) and vitamin C for positive controls (10 mg kg(-1)) were administered daily intraperitoneally for one week prior to NaF administration. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase), and the level of reduced glutathione were evaluated in rat erythrocytes. Lipid peroxidation in NaF-exposed rats significantly increased (by 88.8%) when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Pre-treatment with gallic acid suppressed lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities and glutathione levels were reduced by NaF intoxication by 54.4%, 63.69%, and 42% (p<0.001; vs. untreated control group), respectively. Pre-treatment with gallic acid or vitamin C significantly attenuated the deleterious effects. Gallic acid isolated from Peltiphyllum peltatum and vitamin C mitigated the NaF-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes.

Context: In Iranian traditional medicine, different species of the genus Tetrataenium are used as antiseptic, spice and food additives., Objective: The present study examined the possible antioxidant effects of hydro-alcoholic extracts of different parts of Tetrataenium lasiopetalum (Boiss.) Manden (Apiaceae)., Materials and Methods: Laminas, stems, petioles, fruits, peduncles and flowers of T. lasiopetalum were collected, dried and then extracted by ethanol and water (70:30). Antioxidant activities of extracts were examined by employing different in vitro assays, i.e., 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, metal chelating, reducing power activities and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system. Also, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were evaluated., Results: Hydro-alcoholic extract of T. lasiopetalum flower showed the highest activity in scavenging of DPPH (IC50 = 170 ± 7 μg/mL). In metal chelating assay, lamina extract possesses a better iron ion chelating activity than other extracts (230 ± 10 μg/mL). Lamina hydro-alcoholic extract demonstrated better activity in reducing the power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system than other parts of T. lasiopetalum., Discussion and Conclusion: These results showed the antioxidant activity of different parts of T. lasiopetalum based on its usage in traditional medicine.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of methyl-3-O-methyl gallate (M3OMG), a rare polyphenolic natural product with a potent in-vitro antioxidant effect, against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes in vivo., Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated daily with either M3OMG (10 and 20 mg/kg) obtained through synthesis, vitamin C (10 mg/kg) or vehicle intraperitoneally for 7 days. Oxidative stress was then induced by exposing animals to NaF (600 ppm) through drinking water for 7 days. At the end of intoxication period, rats were killed and erythrocytes isolated. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and levels of reduced glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were measured in erythrocyte haemolysates., Results: NaF intoxication resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in erythrocyte lipid peroxidation associated with significant (P < 0.001) depletion of reduced glutathione level. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was suppressed by NaF treatment by 3.069 and 2.3 fold when compared with untreated control groups. Pretreatment of rats with M3OMG or vitamin C afforded protection against NaF-induced oxidative stress as assessed through the measured oxidant/antioxidant markers., Conclusion: This finding provided in-vivo evidence for the therapeutic potential of M3OMG in combating fluoride-induced oxidative damage in cellular systems., (© 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

In the present study, the nephroprotective effect of gallic acid isolated from Peltiphyllum peltatum was examined in sodium fluoride (NaF) treated rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced by 1-week intoxication of NaF at 600 ppm through drinking water. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione as well as activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal tissues homogenates were determined. The serum biochemical markers of renal injuries including creatinine, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid levels as well as the levels of phosphate and calcium were also assessed. Intoxication with NaF caused a significant increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (46 % versus to control) and reduced the glutathione concentration (47 %) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (46 %) and catalase (41 %) in renal tissues homogenates. NaF intoxication also induced significant alterations in the kidney biochemical markers increasing the levels of urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphate and decreasing the levels of calcium. Daily administration of gallic acid (20 mg/kg) for 1 week before NaF intoxication brought the antioxidant-oxidant balance similar to the NaF-untreated group. Silymarin, used a standard antioxidant agent, also showed a nephroprotective activity. We concluded that NaF caused nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in renal tissues and daily administration of gallic acid for 1 week prior to intoxication inhibited toxicity and oxidative stress.

This study aim to evaluate the protective effect of silymarin on sodium fluoride-induced oxidative stress in rat cardiac tissues. Animals were pretreated with silymarin at 20 and 10 mg/kg prior to sodium fluoride consumption (600 ppm through drinking water). Vitamin C at 10 mg/kg was used as standard antioxidant. There was a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level (59.36 ± 2.19 nmol MDA eq/g tissue) along with a decrease in antioxidant enzymes activity (64.27 ± 1.98 U/g tissue for superoxide dismutase activity and 29.17 ± 1.01 µmol/min/mg protein for catalase activity) and reduced glutathione level (3.8 ± 0.15 µg/mg protein) in the tissues homogenates of the sodium fluoride-intoxicated rats. Silymarin administration to animals before sodium fluoride consumption modified the levels of biochemical parameters.

Context: The genus Primula (Primulaceae) has been used in traditional medicine to treat convulsion and microbial or viral infections., Objective: In the present study, we evaluate antioxidant, antihemolytic, and protective effects of flavonoid-rich fractions of endemic Primula heterochroma Stapf. (Primulaceae) against Fe(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rat brain in vitro., Materials and Methods: Aerial parts of plant were defatted and extracted with 60% acetone. Then, 60% acetone extract was fractionated sequentially with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. Antioxidant activity of fractions was evaluated by employing six different assays, i.e., 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging, metal chelating and reducing power activities and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system and Fe(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rat brain. Also, its antihemolytic activity was determined using 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyts., Results: Among the flavonoid-rich fractions of Primula heterochroma, aqueous fraction demonstrated the most protective effect through decreasing brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels at a dose 200 μg mL(-1) (40%, p < 0.001 versus iron group). Also, the aqueous fraction showed better activity in Fe(2+) chelating (89 ± 3.8 μg mL(-1)) and DPPH radical scavenging (394.4 ± 18.4 μg mL(-1)) models than other fractions. The probable protective mechanism of flavonoid-rich fractions may be attributed to their Fe(2+) chelating, DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities. Also, the n-hexane fraction demonstrated a higher protective effect in the hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system and 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced hemolysis (67 ± 2.6 μg mL(-1))., Discussion and Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrate Primula heterochroma is a rich source of natural antioxidant compounds.

Context: Hyssopus angustifolius M. Bieb. (Lamiaceae) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of lung inflammation, laryngitis and cough relief. Much attention has been paid to this medicinal plant because of its traditional uses., Objective: The present study examined the antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of ethyl acetate extract of stems, leaf and flowers of Hyssopus angustifolius., Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated by employing six different models, i.e., DPPH, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging, metal chelating and reducing power activities and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system. Also, antihemolytic activity was evaluated against hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis., Results: Flowers extract showed the better activity than leaf and stems extracts in DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ was 275.4 ± 7.6 μg mL⁻¹). Leaf, stems and flowers extracts showed good nitric oxide scavenging activity (IC₅₀ were 376.6 ± 11.4 µg mL⁻¹ for flowers, 297.6 ± 9.6 μg mL⁻¹ µg mL⁻¹ for leaves and 837.8 ± 19.2 µg mL⁻¹ for stems). The leaf extract exhibited better hydrogen peroxide scavenging and Fe²⁺ chelating activity than stems and flowers extracts. In hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid system, all of the extracts exhibited very good activity. Also, extracts show weak reducing power activity. The ethyl acetate extract of leaf showed better antihemolytic activity than the flower and stems (IC₅₀ was 94.0 ± 2.4 μg mL⁻¹)., Discussion and Conclusion: These findings give a scientific basis to the traditional usage of Hyssopus angustifolius, also showing its potential as rich sources of natural antioxidant compounds.

This study was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the antioxidant, antihemolytic and nephroprotective effects of Diospyros lotus seeds extract in experimental in vitro and in vivo models. Antioxidant potential of Diospvyos lotus seeds extract was examined by employing seven in vito models i.e., DPPH, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals scavenging activity, iron ion chelating, reducing power and lipid peroxidation through linoleic acid. Antihemolytic activity of extract was examined against hydrogen peroxide-induced erythrocytes hemolysis. Also, nephroprotective effect of extract against gentamicin (GM)-induced renal injury was evaluated. Renal injury was achieved by injecting 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.) of GM in normal saline. Extracts were administrated i.p. in doses 200 and 400 mg/kg. Blood samples were examined for serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen after 10 consecutive days of treatment. Results show that extract showed different level of antioxidant and antihemolytic activity in the studied models. Also, results show that GM-induced nephrotoxic animal model was successfully constructed. Extract attenuated the gentamicin-induced increase in level of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. The present study shows that the extract offered significant biological action compared with standard compound.

Objectives: Artemisia (Asteraceae) contains more than 400 species. Many of the plants belonging to this genus are known to possess biological properties. In this study, antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of flavonoid rich fractions of A. tschernieviana Besser were evaluated., Material and Methods: Plant aerial parts were extracted with 60% acetone. Extract was fractionated sequentially with hexane (HE), ethyl acetate (EA) and water (AQ). Antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of these fractions were assessed. Their antihemolytic activity was determined by H2O2 and cumene hydroperoxide induced hemolysis models., Results: AQ fraction showed very powerful activity in 1,1-disphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with IC50 = 0.12 +/- 0.01 microg ml(-1) that was better than controls (vitamin C, quercetin and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)). This fraction showed very powerful reducing power assay that was better than vitamin C (p < 0.01). EA fraction showed higher activity in scavenging nitric oxide with IC50 = 0.14 +/- 0.04 microg ml(-1). In iron chelating activity HE fraction showed the best activity (IC50 = 162.2 +/- 8.7 microg ml(-1)). In scavenging of hydrogen peroxide, AQ fraction showed better activity than control group. This fraction had higher phenol and flavonoid contents. EA fraction showed higher antihemolytic activity with IC50 = 728.8 +/- 29 microg ml(-1)., Conclusions: The fractions show very good activities in studied models. Aqueous fractions showed better activity than the others in nearly all tested models. These results can be useful as a starting point of view for further applications of A. tschernieviana aerial parts or its constituents in pharmaceutical preparations after performing clinical in vivo researches.

Antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of acetone extracts of Hyssopus angustifolius flowers, leaf and stems were investigated employing different in vitro and ex vivo assay systems. IC50, for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity were 239.4 +/- 8.4 microg/mL for flowers, 357.8 +/- 11.1 microg/mL for stems and 182.5 +/- 7.5 microg/mL for leaf. All extracts showed moderate nitric oxide scavenging activity. The leaf extract exhibited better hydrogen peroxide scavenging and Fe2+ chelating activity than the others (IC50 were 261.0 +/- 6.2 microg/mL for hydrogen peroxide and 534.0 +/- 9.9 microg/mL for Fe3+ chelating activity). The extracts exhibited good antioxidant activity in linoleic acid peroxidation system and weak reducing power ability. The leaf extract showed better antihemolytic activity than the flower and stem (IC50 = 65.7 +/- 1.8 microg/mL).

Objectives: Eryngium (E.) caucasicum was found as a new cultivated vegetable plant in northern Iran and used in several local foods. Little information is available on biological properties of E. caucasicum. In this work antioxidant activity of flavonoid-rich fraction of this plant was investigated by eight in vitro assay systems., Materials and Methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Antihemolytic activities were evaluated against CuOOH and H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyte., Results: IC50 for DPPH scavenging activity was 391.2 +/- 14.9, 706.6 +/- 22.3 and 779.7 +/- 16.7 microg ml(-1) for aqueous (AQ), ethyl acetate (EA) and n-hexane (HE) fractions, respectively. There was no difference between reducing power of AQ fraction activity and vitamin C (p > 0.05). IC50 for NO radical-scavenging activity was in order of AQ (133.5 +/- 6.2 microg ml(-1)) > EA (350.1 +/- 14.8 microg ml(-1)) > and HE (639.9 +/- 21.7 microg ml(-1)) fractions, respectively. Extracts showed weak Fe2+ chelating ability. HE fraction showed better activity (173.5 +/- 9.6 microg ml(-1)). Extracts exhibited weak hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity but exhibited very good antioxidant activity against the hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation. There was no significant difference between AQ fraction and vitamin C (p > 0.01). Fractions delayed the onset of the CuOOH induced hemolysis. AQ fraction showed very high total phenol and flavonoid contents which was higher than other fractions. High phenol and flavonoid content of AQ fraction may lead to its better antioxidant activity., Conclusions: E. caucasicum fractions exhibited different levels of antioxidant and antihemolytic activities in all tested models. These results can be useful as a starting point of view for further applications of E. caucasicum aerial parts or its constituents in pharmaceutical preparations.

Gallic acid is known as a potent antioxidant active compound of the edible and medicinal plant Peltiphyllum peltatum. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of gallic acid against sodium fluoride induced oxidative stress in rat brain. Gallic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg) and vitamin C (10 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administrated for 1 week prior to sodium fluoride intoxication. After the treatment period, brain tissues were collected and homogenized, and antioxidant parameters were measured in the homogenates. The level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in sodium fluoride intoxicated rats (42.04 ± 2.14 nmol MDA eq/g tissue, p < 0.01 vs. normal) increased compared to the normal rats (35.99 ± 1.08 nmol MDA eq/g tissue). Pretreatment with gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was exhibited significant reduction in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level (37.06 ± 1.4 nmol MDA eq/g tissue, p > 0.05 vs. normal). This increasing in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level was accompanied with a decrease in the level of reduced glutathione (6.74 ± 0.28 μg/mg of protein, p < 0.001 vs. normal), superoxide dismutase (53.24 ± 1.62 U/mg of protein, p < 0.001 vs. normal) and catalase (70.73 ± 2.94 μmol/min/mg of protein p < 0.001 vs. normal) activities in sodium fluoride intoxicated rat. Gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was significantly modified the level of reduced glutathione (11.02 ± 0.53 μg/mg of protein, p < 0.05 vs normal) and catalase activity (89.22 ± 3.67 μmol/min/mg of protein, p > 0.05 vs. normal) in rat brain. However, gallic acid at 20 mg/kg was significantly more effective in retrieving superoxide dismutase (124.78 ± 5.7 U/mg of protein) activity than vitamin C (115.5 ± 4.97 U/mg of protein).

Curcumin is well known for its potent antioxidant activity. The result of numerous studies showed that antioxidants can protect against fluoride-induced toxicity. In the present study, protective effects of curcumin against sodium fluoride-induced toxicity in rat erythrocytes were evaluated. Curcumin (10 and 20 mg/kg) and vitamin C (10 mg/kg) were administrated intraperitoneally for 1 week followed by sodium fluoride (600 ppm) treatment for next week. Erythrocytes were isolated and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as well as the levels of reduced glutathione, and lipid peroxidation were measured. The level of malondialdehyde in sodium fluoride treated rats (595.13 ± 20.23 nmol/g Hb) increased compared to the normal rats (315.44 ± 9.76 nmol/g Hb). Animals which were pretreated with curcumin at 20 mg/kg for 1 week prior to sodium fluoride intoxication showed significant reduction in the malondialdehyde level (320.22 ± 9.28 nmol/g Hb). Also, pretreated with curcumin (20 mg/kg) and vitamin C restored the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and modified the level of reduced glutathione compared with control group (p > 0.01).

The effects of two extracting methods on the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of Crataegus pentagyna subsp. elburensis Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd fruit extracts were investigated. Antioxidant activities of polyphenol (PP) fraction and ultrasonic (US) extraction were evaluated with four different in vitro antioxidant tests. IC(50) for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 32.2 ± 1.6 for PP fraction and 36.7 ± 1.5 µg mL(-1) for US extract. Reducing powers of extracts increased with the increase of their concentrations. PP fraction exhibited high reducing power at 2-32 µg mL(-1). Extracts exhibited good H(2)O(2) radical scavenging and Fe(2+) chelating ability. Their high phenolic and flavonoid contents could be responsible for their antioxidant activity and pharmacologic actions.

Objective: The in vivo nephroprotective effect of quercetin against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced damage was studied., Methods: Renal injury was induced by daily administration of NaF (600 ppm) through drinking water for 1 week. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activity of kidney homogenates were determined. The serum markers of glomerular damage, including creatinine, serum urea, and blood urea nitrogen levels, were also assessed., Results: The study revealed that administration of fluoride resulted in a significant downregulation of antioxidant defenses coupled with an increased serum level of glomerular damage markers. The administration of quercetin prior to fluoride reversed the antioxidant-oxidant balance to control (fluoride-untreated) level. The level of protection obtained for the 20 mg/kg quercetin treatment was equivalent to the positive control, ascorbic acid (10 mg/kg). The therapeutic implication of antioxidants in fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity is discussed., Conclusions: This study showed that NaF intoxication caused renal damage by increasing oxidative stress, and quercetin and vitamin C administration gave protection against fluoride-induced oxidative stress to some degree.

Objectives: Ferula gummosa Boiss is native to central Asia. This plant has traditionally been used in the treatment of many diseases. The antihypoxic and antioxidant activities of Ferula gummosa roots were investigated., Material and Methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Antihemolytic activity was evaluated by H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocytes. The total amount of phenolic compounds was determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve., Results: The extracts showed moderate antioxidant activity in some models. IC50 for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 579.6 +/- 19.4 microg/ml. The extracts showed weak nitric oxide-scavenging activity between 0.1 and 1.6 mg ml(-1) but showed good Fe2+ chelating ability. IC50 was 895.5 +/- 24.1 microg/ml. The extract also exhibited low antioxidant activity in the linoleic acid model but were capable of scavenging hydrogen peroxide in a concentration dependent manner. Tested extract show moderate activity in H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocytes which was not comparable with vitamin C., Conclusions: F. gummosa Boiss root showed different level antioxidant and antihemolytic activities. Biological effects may be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the extract.

Objectives: Alcea hyrcana Grossh (A. hyrcana Grossh) (malvacea), is native to northern of Iran. Many of the plants belonging to the genus Alcea are known to possess ethnomedical and biological properties. In this study, antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of flower, seed and leaves of Alcea hyrcana Grossh were evaluated by various antioxidant assays., Material and Methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation test were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. The total amount of phenolic compounds was determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents also have been determined., Results: All extracts showed good antioxidant activities. The A. hyrcana Grossh leaves extract exhibited strong ferrous chelating activity with IC50 = 0.11 +/- 0.01 mg ml(-1), nitric oxide radical scavenging with IC50 = 0.45 +/- 0.01 mg ml(-1) and better reducing power activity than other extracts. The seeds extract showed high scavenging activity against free radicals, including both the hydrogen peroxide and DPPH radicals. Only leaves extract had good activity in linoleic acid model. Seeds extract had significant higher total phenol (68.9 +/- 3.7 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract powder) and leaves had higher flavonoids contents (28.3 +/- 2.6 mg quercetin equivalent/g of extract powder) than other parts., Conclusions: The leaves, seed and flower extracts of A. hyrcana Grossh exhibited good but different levels of antioxidant activity in all the models studied. The extracts had good iron chelation, H2O2 and nitric oxide scavenging activities. Antioxidant activities may be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of phenols and flavonoids.

Objectives: The Ferula genus (Umbelliferae) is a rich source of gum-resin and is much utilized in folklore medicine. This study is designed to examine antioxidant and antihaemolytic activities of Ferula foetida regel flower, stem and leaf extracts., Materials and Methods: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and H2O2 scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Antihaemolytic activity was evaluated by H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyte. Total phenolic compounds were determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve., Results: The leaf aqueous-ethanol extract showed the highest activity in DPPH radical scavenging activity. All extracts showed weak nitric oxide scavenging activity. The stem extract had better activity in nitric oxide scavenging model than the other extracts (IC50 = 896.9 +/- 21.9 microg ml(-1)), but it was not comparable to quercetin (p < 0.001). The leaf extract exhibited better H2O2 scavenging and Fe2+ chelating activity than the other parts. The extracts exhibited good antioxidant activity in linoleic acid peroxidation test but were not comparable to vitamin C (p < 0.001). Extracts showed weak reducing power activity. The stem extract showed better antihaemolytic activity than the flower and leaf. The flower extract had higher phenolic contents. The extracts exhibited different levels of antioxidant and antihaemolytic activities in all tested models., Conclusions: This study showed remarkable antioxidant and antihemolytic activities in Feruia foetida. Biological effects may be attributed to the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the extract. It is very promising for further biochemical experiments.

Objectives: Biebersteinia multifida is a common herb known in Iran. Its roots have been used locally in folk medicine of western region of Iran in the treatment of many diseases. The antioxidant activity and its inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis were investigated., Material and Methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Antihemolytic activity was evaluated by H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyte. The total amount of phenolic compounds was determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve., Results: Root had higher phenol contents (80.1 +/- 3.1 mg ml(-1)) and showed highest activity in DPPH radical-scavenging activity (95.9 +/- 3.2 microg ml(-1)). It also showed better reducing power than other parts. In Fe2+ chelating, leaf extract was the most potent (789 +/- 33 microg ml(-1)). Extracts exhibited good H2O2 scavenging in a concentration dependent manner. All extracts exhibited good protection against hemoglobin-catalyzed peroxidation linoleic acid system. In nitric oxide scavenging model, root extract showed the best activity (696 +/- 2.7 microg ml(-1)). Root and leaf extracts contained total phenol and flavonoids contents than other extracts. Tested extracts show weak activity in H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyte which was not comparable with vitamin C., Conclusions: Biebersteinia multifida extracts exhibited different levels of antioxidant and antihemolytic activities in all tested models. Biological effects may be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the extracts.

Objectives: Pistacia lentiscus has traditionally been used in the treatment of many diseases. Its resin was investigated for its mineral contents, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in rats., Material and Methods: Inhibition of carrageenan induced edema was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Fe2+ chelating ability, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and nitric oxide scavenging activities were used to evaluate antioxidant activities and mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Gallic acid content was determined by HPLC., Results: Resin produced statistically significant inhibition of edema at all doses when compared to the control groups. A 100% inhibition of inflammation was observed at 800 mg/kg i.p. Resin exhibit no toxicity up to 3 g/kg body weights i.p. in mice. Weak DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging activities were observed but showed good Fe2+ chelating ability (IC50 = 162 microg ml(-1)). The amount of elements was decreased in the order: Cu > Fe, Zn > Mn > Ni, Cd. Gallic acid content was 0.1 mg/g resin., Conclusions: These experimental data support the use of Pistacia lentiscus resin as an antiinflammatory and antioxidant agent.

Extracts of 4 medicinal and aromatic plants were investigated for their antioxidant potency employing six various established in vitro system: H. officinalis L. var. angustifolius aerial parts, C. speciosum flowers, V. odorata and B. hyrcana leaves.With regard to IC50 values (microg/ml), the order in DPPH radical-scavenging were CS (585.6) > HO (311) > VO (245.1) > and BH (113.1). Effectiveness in reducing powers were high and in a descending order of HO > CS > BH > VO (at the concentrations of 25-800 microg/ml). IC50 for Fe2+ chelating ability were 188, 750 and 980 microg/ml for VO, CS and HO, respectively. BH extract has shown only 38% inhibition at 800 microg/ml. The extracts showed weak nitric oxide-scavenging activity. All extracts exhibited very low and moderate concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in FTC methods. IC50 for scavenging of H2O2 were 169 for BH, 175 for CS, 640 for VO and 663 microg/ml for HO. The content of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were measured in plant extracts. The data obtained in the in vitro models clearly establish the antioxidant potency of all extracts.

Current research into free radicals has confirmed that plants rich in antioxidants play an essential role in the prevention of many diseases. The potential antioxidant activities of Pterocarya fraxinifolia bark and leaves investigated employing six in vitro assay systems. IC50 for DPPH radical-scavenging activities were 3.89 +/- 0.09 for leaves and 41.57 +/- 1.30 microg mL(-1) for bark, respectively. The leaf extract exhibited a good reducing power at 2.5 and 80 microg mL(-1) that was comparable with Vit C (p > 0.05). The extracts also showed weak nitric oxide-scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating ability. The peroxidation inhibition of extracts exhibited values from 92 to 93% at 72nd h, almost at the same pattern of Vitamin C activity (p > 0.05). Based on higher total phenol and flavonoid contents in leaves, higher antioxidant activities were observed in leaf extract. In addition, chemical composition of leaf essential oil was determined. The major compound was bisabolol oxide A (23.6%). Sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes are the major compounds in leaves essential oil. Presence of these compounds may be a reason for the good antioxidant activity of leaf extract.

In this study antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Sambucus ebulus L. flower was investigated employing various in vitro assay systems, i.e., DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, reducing power, iron ion chelating power and linoleic acid. IC50 for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 228 +/- 12 microg mL(-1). The extract showed very high activity in the reducing power assay that was comparable with positive control, vitamin C. The extract showed good nitric oxide-scavenging activity (IC50 = 309 +/- 14 microg mL(-1). It was found that antioxidant activity was dose dependent i.e., activity was increased with the increase of their concentrations. The extract showed very weak activity in iron ion chelating (IC50 = 1.3 +/- 0.07 mg mL(-1)). It is showed very good activity in scavenging of hydrogen'peroxide. IC50 for scavenging of extract was 59.5 +/- 3.3 mcirog mL(-1). The extracts exhibited no activity in linoleic acid model. The total phenolic content of flower was 56.3 +/- 2.81 mg gallic acid equivalent g(-1) of extract powder and total flavonoid content was 14.5 +/- 0.72 mg quercetin equivalent g(-1) of extract powder by reference to standard curve.