Flavonoids and phenolic compounds in two mangrove species and their antioxidant property

Abstract

259-264In the present study the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in root extract of Rhizophora apiculata and Acanthus ilicifolius was determined, their antioxidant property was assayed and the protective effect of R. apiculata root extract on induced-oxidative stress was examined. R. apiculata and A. ilicifolius root extracts were found to be rich sources of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. DPPH free radical scavenging assay has shown that R. apiculata has a better antioxidant activity than A. illicifolius. R. apiculata root extract had protective effect on sodium nitrite-induced oxidative stress in brain of rats. The extract normalized the sodium nitrite-induced alterations in the levels of glutathione, lipid peroxides and antiperoxidative enzymes like catalase and superoxide dismutase. Mangrove root extract had a beneficial effect in ameliorating oxidative stress in the brain of rats which may be attributed to the presence of flavonoid and polyphenolic compounds