engleski

Antioxidant capacity of leaf extracts of four invasive plant species in Istria (Croatia)

Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) present a significant challenge in maintaining balance in sustainable management, protecting biodiversity, and maintaining a healthy environment. Despite the numerous negative ecological, health, and economic impacts of IAS, some of them can be a source of valuable specialised metabolites. The main goal of the Croatian Science Foundation project NATURALLY (IP-2020-02-6899) is to explore the phytopharmaceutical potential of the natural extracts of four invasive alien plant species: Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Solidago canadensis L., Helianthus tuberosus L., and Robinia pseudoacacia L. In this study, we evaluated total phenolic content (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and total non-flavonoids (TNF) in 90% methanol dry leaf extracts using spectrophotometric methods. We also determined the antioxidative capacity (AC) in 70% ethanolic dry leaf extract by three standard assays (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP). The highest TP and TNF values were recorded in the extract of A. altissima (50, 841 mg GAE/g DW and 10, 520 mg GAE/g DW, respectively). The extracts of H. tuberosus expressed the highest TF content (33, 608 mg GAE/g DW). Preliminary AC values expressed as the percentage of reaction inhibition relative to Trolox of the same concentration as the extracts varied from 93.9 to 101.8% for ABTS, 98.4 to 99.1% for FRAP, and 41.4-62% for DPPH assay. Obtained results suggest the potential of invasive plant species as a source of natural antioxidants.

invasive alien plant species ; specialised metabolites ; antioxidative capacity

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