DPPH free radical scavenging activity and phenotypic difference in hepatoprotective plant (Silybum marianum L.)

Abstract

Silybum marianum L. is medicinally important for its active principle component silymarin. Silymarin regenerates damaged hepatic tissues. On the basis of such regenerative properties, the radical scavenging activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)) of different tissues and the phenotypic difference of the hepatoprotective species, S. marianum L. were evaluated. There was less phenotypic difference in purple and white varieties of S. marianum. Assay of the antioxidant potential of different parts of the plant revealed that significantly higher activity (78.2%) was observed in seeds of the purple flowering plant than seeds of white flowering plant (49%) after different time intervals. Young leaves collected from white flowering plant exhibit 64.8% activity, which is higher than the purple flowering plant (55.1%). Significantly, same activity was observed in mature leaves of white (52%) and purple flowering plants (50%). The main stem collected from both the varieties exhibits similar activity from 50 to 52%. A 67.2% activity was recorded for mature roots of white flowering plant followed by roots of the purple variety (65%). The present study revealed that seeds and roots of both the varieties scavenge and detoxify more DPPH free radicals than other plant parts and can be used as a source of natural antioxidants and food additives.

Biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles-enhanced biosynthesis of lignans and neolignans in cell suspension cultures of Linum usitatissimum L

“…These results are in agreement with our previous finding [6], wherein similar trends in total phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed. Increased polyphenol accumulation is indicated by higher antioxidant activities [30]. A positive correlation between FRSA and phenolic content was recorded in the current study.…”

Chemical and productive properties of two Sardinian milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) populations as sources of nutrients and antioxidants

“…In fact, an increasing attention is being paid to the use of natural antioxidants in animal diets (Tedesco et al 2004;Gladine et al 2007;Casamassima et al 2012). According to Ahmad et al (2013), various tissues of S. marianum exhibit higher antioxidant activities than vitamin C and E. Natural antioxidants prevent the oxidation chain reactions and protect the body from induced oxidative stress of toxic free radicals. In fact, the toxic free radicals attack on nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) can lead to mutational events.…”

“…scolymus L.), our results showed lower flavonoid contents in milk thistle stems. Ahmad et al (2013) evaluated the antioxidant activity by DPPH method in different parts of S. marianum and found that the tested plant materials had significant free radical scavenging activity, suggesting that such plant materials can be used as a source of antioxidants for different diseases. The same authors evaluated the antioxidant activity in different parts of the plant (leaves, stems, seeds, roots) and found highest antioxidant capacity in young leaves of a white seed variety.…”

“…Natural antioxidants from different tissues of medicinal plants function as free-radical scavengers and radical chain reaction breakers, complexers of pro-oxidant metal ions and quenchers of singlet-oxygen formation. In addition, natural antioxidants can exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiallergic and vasodilatory activities and are also used as anticancer, antimutagenic and antiaging agents (Ahmad et al 2013).…”

Non-destructive determination of silymarin in Silybum marianum extracts with a handheld near infrared spectrometer

“…6 Recently, Silybum marianum extract has also been marketed, and demand shows a growing trend. 7,8 According to International Business Standards (SWT 7-2013, China), the silymarin content that varies in dry Silybum marianum extract between 30 % and 65 % is determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).…”