Free Radical Scavenging Activity, Reducing Power and Anti-Hemolytic Capacity of Algerian Drimia maritima Baker Flower Extracts

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-hemolytic properties of Algerian Drimia maritima Baker flower extracts. Determination of phenolic content was carried out to estimate the chemical composition of D. maritima extracts. Antioxidant properties were investigated in all extracts using free radical scavenging activity (against DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion), reducing power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and anti-hemolytic capacity. Phenolic determination revealed that D. maritima flowers contain phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. Ethyl acetate extract showed the highest reducing power and scavenging activity using DPPH and ABTS assays. However, aqueous extract was the most effective against hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, and lipid peroxidation. The half-time of hemolysis indicates that chloroform extract exhibited the best anti-hemolytic capacity in the AAPH induced hemolysis model. The results of this study suggest that D. maritima could be used as a possible source of antioxidant phenolic compounds and that further determination of these compounds may provide more information on their medicinal value.  Keywords: Drimia maritima, phenolic compounds, scavenging activity, reducing power, anti-hemolytic