Investigation of antioxidant potential of Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott extracts via total phenolic, flavonoid content and DPPH assays

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 73 - 78, 29.12.2025

Seyda Sahin , Buğrahan Emsen , Muhammet Doğan

https://doi.org/10.51539/biotech.1797120

Abstract

Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott is an annual halophytic plant widely recognized for its adaptability to arid environments and its traditional use in folk medicine. It has been reported to contain diverse bioactive compounds, including phenolics and flavonoids, which contribute to its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Understanding the solvent-dependent extraction efficiency of these compounds is essential for maximizing their biological value. In this study, the antioxidant potential and phenolic composition of B. scoparia extracts obtained using different solvents—acetone, ethyl acetate, and water—were evaluated. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were measured spectrophotometrically, while antioxidant capacity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The acetone extract showed the highest phenolic content (273.73 ± 4.6 µg/mg) and strong radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 39.54 µg/mL), followed closely by the ethyl acetate extract (IC50 = 38.14 µg/mL). In contrast, the water extract exhibited the lowest antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 105.52 µg/mL). Heatmap and clustering analyses demonstrated a clear distinction between the organic solvent extracts and the water extract, confirming the superior antioxidant activity of the acetone and ethyl acetate extracts. These findings indicate that solvent polarity significantly influences the extraction efficiency of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and, consequently, their antioxidant potential. Overall, the results highlight that B. scoparia extracts obtained with organic solvents are rich in bioactive constituents and possess strong antioxidant activity. Therefore, these extracts may serve as promising natural sources of antioxidants for use in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.

Keywords

bioactive compound , medicinal plant , natural antioxidant , solvent extraction

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