Phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of eryngium foetidum L.

Abstract

Eryngium foetidum L. has been used as a spice for food and treatment for diabetes, rheumatism, anti-inflammatories, respiratory and stomach disorders. In Vietnam, due to high consumption of Eryngium foetidum L. in popular dishes and its significant benefits, the preliminary screening of the plant phytochemicals is required to extend its application and improve efficacy. The present research aimed at Eryngium foetidum L. extraction using aqueous and ethanolic as solvents to explore their phytochemical composition, total contents of flavonoids and phenolics and antioxidant activity. Phytochemical screening has detected the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and terpenoids in both plant extracts. In addition, the total content of phenolics in both extract was equally significant while the total content of flavonoids was higher in ethanolic extract, as compared to the aquaeous extract. The antioxidant actions of aquaeous and ethanolic extracts were estimated using DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays. Results have shown that the former exhibited stronger DPPH scavenging activity than the latter. Findings from the present study suggested that ethanol and water can be useful for Eryngium foetidum L. extraction with high content of phytochemicals, phenolics and antioxidant activity.