Comparative analysis of bioactivities of four Polygonum species.
Many species of Polygonum are rich in bioactive constituents, which contribute to a wide range of medicinal properties. In this study, we assessed the scavenging activity against ABTS.+ and hydroxyl radicals, chelating activity against Fe2+, xanthine oxidase inhibition, antimicrobial activity, and total contents of phenolics and flavonoids in the extracts of leaves and stems or whole plants from four medicinal Polygonum species. Total antioxidant capacities and phenolic contents of Polygonum capitatum, Polygonum Chinensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, and Polygonum multiflorum were 74.60, 53.66, 56.22, and 14.34 mmol trolox/100 g dry weight (DW), and 8.69, 4.15, 6.33, and 1.27 g gallic acid/100 g DW, respectively, significantly higher than those of five dietary vegetables, fruits and spices (spring onion, broccoli, orange, carrot, and ginger). Major bioactive constituents in the tested plant extracts were also investigated using LC-MS. They were mainly phenolic compounds, e. g., flavonoids, phenolic acids and their derivatives, tannins, stilbenes, and anthraquinones. This study shows that, in addition to their roots, the leaves and stems of P. cuspidatum and P. capitatum also exhibit potent antioxidant properties and are a potential resource of natural bioactive antioxidants.
Huang
Wu-Yang
WY
School of Biological Sciences, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, PR China.
Cai
Yi-Zhong
YZ
Xing
Jie
J
Corke
Harold
H
Sun
Mei
M
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018515:Plant Leaves; D018517:Plant Roots; D018547:Plant Stems; D028502:Polygonum / Q000145:classification*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D010936:Plant Extracts