Abstract:

In this study we investigated the ultrasonic-assisted extraction and antioxidant activity of fl avonoids from the aboveground part of Dracoephalum mololarie L. An orthogonal array design was used to optimize the extraction process. Flavonoid extract was determined spectrometrically for free radical scavenging activity and reducing power and compared with VC. The optimum conditions for extracting flavonoids from the above-ground part of Dracoephalum mololarie L. were determined as 60% ethanol as an extraction solvent at a solid-to-solvent of 1:40 (g/mL), 50 min of ultrasonic treatment time and 60 ℃ of extraction temperature. Under these conditions, the fl avonoid yield was 1.89%. The reducing power of the fl avoniod extract obtained was approximately 2-fold higher than that of VC, and its IC50 values in hydroxyl, DPPH and superoxide anion assays were 35.6, 9.6 μg/mL and 56.0 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, this extract had potent antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Key words: Dracoephalum mololarie L., total flavonoids, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, antioxidant activity