Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Cynara cardunculus extracts

Abstract

The whole, fresh involucral bracts of cardoon, Cynara cardunculus L. (Compositae), were extracted with EtOH and aqueous suspension of obtained EtOH extract was partitioned successively with CHCl 3 , EtOAc and n-BuOH, leaving residual water extract. All obtained extracts were evaluated on their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using following in vitro methods: FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay, and scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Antimicrobial activity was estimated using microdilution technique against food-borne, mycotoxin producers and human pathogenic bacteria and micromycetes. Following bacteria were tested: Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, as well as micromycetes: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium ochrochloron, Penicillium funiculosum, Trichoderma viride, Fusarium tricinctum and Alternaria alternata. Results showed that all extracts possess concentration dependent antioxidant activity. In biological assays, C. cardunculus extracts showed antimicrobial activity comparable with standard antibiotics.

Antioxidant activity of Trachystemon orientalis (L.) G. Don (Borage) grown and eaten as food in Ordu, Turkey

“…The total amount of phenolic compounds in water and ethanol extracts were 90 and 21.2 mg GA/g extract and 68.9 and 17.5 mg PG/g extract, respectively. Obtained values were comparable with results presented in the literature for other extracts of plant products or different kinds of edible sources [21][22][23]. In addition, a report is available in literature that T. orientalis obtained from local markets in Giresun have total phenolic in the amount of 82.1 mg pyrocatechol/g DW [24].…”

“…While the highest activity (6994 mmol Fe 2+ /kg) was found in the presence of trolox, the smallest (741 mmol Fe 2+ /kg) value was calculated for the water extract. Values found in current study were higher than the FRAP activity calculated for different kinds of the Cynara cardunculus extracts [23].…”

“…A similar conclusion was also reached in a study on Smilax excelsa L. leaf extracts [25]. But the examples such that of an investigation on Cynara cardunculus extracts [23] indicate this can not be so always, are also available in the literature. Otherwise, it should be known that none of the extraction procedures used is completely suitable for whole phenolics from all materials.…”

Antioxidant properties, anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity and hepatotoxicity of artichoke, milk thistle and borututu

“…Consumed raw, boiled, steamed or fried, this plant is today widely cultivated all over the world for its large fleshy immature inflorescences, called heads or capitula, with edible leaves (bracts) and receptacle. Artichoke is known since ancient times as a tasty plant that can be used in soups, stews and salads, being perceived as a nutritious and healthy vegetable (Lattanzio et al, 2009) due to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects (Gebhardt and Fausel, 1997;Zapolska-Downar et al, 2002;Jimène-Escrig et al, 2003;Wang et al, 2003;Falleh et al, 2008;Kukić et al, 2008;Gouveia and Castilho, 2012). This plant contains very little fat and high levels of minerals, vitamin C, fibre, inulin, polyphenols hydoxycinnamates and flavones, but most of its activity could be related to the polyphenolic fraction, mainly composed of mono-and dicaffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids (Schütz et al, 2004;Falleh et al, 2008;Lutz et al, 2011;Pandino et al, 2011;Gouveia and Castilho, 2012).…”

The role of phenolic compounds in the defense of sooty mold of olive leaves (Olea europea L.)

“…The aqueous suspension of the concentrated EtOH extract was evaporated to dryness and used for all investigations (Kukic et al, 2008).…”