Abstract:

The study focused on evaluating of antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds and enzyme inhibition activity of methanolic extract Medicago rigidula. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using different assays including 2,2-diphenyl-1- pikrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and total antioxidant capacity (phosphomolybdenum) test. Total phenolic and flavonoit contents were also determined. Enzyme inhibition activities were examined against anticholinesterase, tyrosinase, alpha-amylase and alphaglucosidase. Phenolic content of M. rigidula included catechin, cinnamic, chlorogenic, gallic and syringic acids. Free radical scavenging activity of methanol extract was 20.30% at 1 mg/ mL concentration. In phosphomolybdenum and FRAP tests were found 167.27 mg AAE/g and 67.01 mg TE/g, respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined as 79.61 mg GAE/g and 27.38 μg QE/g, respectively. The results showed that M. rigidula has a good source of antioxidants and enzyme inhibition capacity. Thus, it can be used as raw material in food and pharmaceutical industry.

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