Determination and Evaluating the Antioxidant Properties of Ziziphus nummularia (Burm.f.) Wight & Arn., Crataegus pontica K.Koch and Scrophularia striata Boiss

Abstract

RESEARCHERS have shown an increasing attention to the use of medicinal plants because of their beneficial effect on human health. The antioxidant properties of medicinal plants is a strong reason to use them in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Ziziphus nummularia, Crataegus pontica and Scrophularia striata. Aerial parts of Ziziphus nummularia, Crataegus pontica and Scrophularia striata were dried and ground. Then, plant samples were prepared using homogenizing plant powders in methanol solution. Finally, the total antioxidant capacity of the plants was assessed by ferric iron reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay.The results indicated that the total antioxidant capacity was found as 3.16, 2.95 and 1.14 mmol Fe2+/L for Ziziphus nummularia, Crataegus pontica and Scrophularia striata, respectively. According to our results, Ziziphus nummularia, Crataegus pontica and Scrophularia striata showed a potent antioxidant activity. It is recommended that utilization of Ziziphus nummularia, Crataegus pontica and Scrophularia striata in food and pharmaceutical industries could possibly possess beneficial health effects.