GALIUM SPECIES - POLYPHENOLIC CONTENT AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL

Abstract

The genus Galium is well represented in the spontaneous Romanian flora. Three Galium species are more commonly used in therapy, Galium aparine L. or cleavers, Galium odoratum (L.) Scop. or woodruff and Galium verum L. or lady’s bedstraw. Tinctures preparated from aerial part of these species was chemically analyzed and their antioxidant activity was evaluated.  The total phenylpropane derivatives and total flavonoids contents were determined by spectrophotometrically methods. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro by FRAP, CUPRAC and xanthine oxidase inhibition methods. The results showed that the tinctures were rich in polyphenols and had a strong antioxidant capacity, which is confirmed by all used methods. A good correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the content of polyphenols could be highlighted.