Probl Hig Epidemiol 2017, 98(2): 125-132pl

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) as a source of compounds with potential antioxidant properties - comparison of antioxidant properties of leaves, flowers and fruit extracts

Anna Muzykiewicz, Joanna Zielonka-Brzezicka, Adam Klimowicz, Katarzyna Florkowska

Katedra i Zakład Chemii Kosmetycznej i Farmaceutycznej, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie

Summary
Introduction. Excessive free radicals production in the organism leads to so-called oxidative stress. This phenomenon is the cause of frequently occurring diseases, which include, among others, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, cancers or a number of civilization diseases, with atherosclerosis and diabetes. The antioxidants application seems to be one of the ways of defense against this negative phenomenon. Plants are a valued source of compounds with antiradical potential.
Aim. To compare the antioxidant properties of rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) flowers, leaves and fruit extracts.
Material & Method. Methanol as well as 96 and 70%(v/v) ethanol were applied as solvent for ultrasound-assisted extraction, lasting 15, 30 and 60 minutes. The obtained extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity using the DPPH, FRAP and Folin-Ciocialteu methods based on spectrophotometric measurements.
Results. The highest antioxidant potentials were found in the leaves and flowers extracts, while the lowest - in fruit extracts, as evaluated by all the methods. Samples with the highest activity were obtained in 15-minute extractions in the case of leaves, whereas flowers and fruit needed an hour of sonication on the raw material to exhibit the highest properties. The best results for DPPH and FRAP methods were observed in methanolic extracts, while the highest polyphenol concentrations, evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, were found in the ethanolic ones.
Conclusion. The obtained results show that rowan leaves and flowers can be a valuable source of antioxidants to be used in various branches of industry.

Key words:  free radicals, oxidative stress, antioxidant activity evaluation, Sorbus aucuparia L.