Antioxidant activity of certain vegetal active principles compared to that of citrus juices and wines

Abstract

Extensive research has demonstrated the protective properties of antioxidants which scavenge reactive oxygen species. The aim is to provide a comparative study regarding antioxidant activity of two vegetal active principles in relation to that of certain citrus juices and two types of red wine. The total two vegetal active principles of polyuronide and flavonoid type were obtained from dried leaves of plants from the Crassulaceae family. Active principles were selected for their pharmacological action: immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory; this action may result from their antioxidant potential. Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits were used from among citrus fruits. Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir were the two types of red wines. Commercially available citrus fruits were imported from Greece. Commercially available Cabernet Sauvignon (2007) and Pinot Noir (2007) wine samples were from the Murfatlar, Romania. Antioxidant action of samples was evaluated by means of Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) determination. As anticipated, the total flavonoids had the highest antioxidant action. Among the citrus juices, the lemon juice had a greater antioxidant action. The two red wines had a comparable antioxidant action. The polyuronides had a greater antioxidant action than the citrus fruit juices and the two red wines. After 48 hours, the antioxidant action of the polyuronides and total flavonoids was less diminished than the citrus fruit juices and two red wines. Considering the preliminary results obtained, the two vegetal active principles could be introduced as food supplements.