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

Abstract

In the present study the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in root extract of <i>Rhizophora apiculata</i> and <i>Acanthus ilicifolius</i> was determined, their antioxidant property was assayed and the protective effect of R. apiculata root extract on induced-oxidative stress was examined. <i>R. apiculata</i> and <i>A. ilicifolius</i> root extracts were found to be rich sources of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. DPPH free radical scavenging assay has shown that <i>R. apiculata</i> has a better antioxidant activity than <i>A. illicifolius</i>. <i>R. apiculata</i> 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.