title: Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Pycnocycla spinosa Extracts.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pycnocycla spinosa (P. spinosa) a member of the Umbelliferae family is traditionally used for treatment of different ailments.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content of P. spinosa extracts (methanol, ethanol and aqueous) and their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  The antimicrobial activity of different extracts of P. spinosa was evaluated using micro broth dilution. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. Their antioxidant effect was evaluated using DPPH assay and β-carotene linoleic acid test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  P. spinosa ethanol extract with higher-level phenolic and flavonoid contents showed the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, in comparison with the other extracts. Bacillus sp. and Streptococcus sp. showed higher sensitivity to P. spinosa ethanol extract.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  P. spinosa ethanol extract can be used as a mouthwash for treatment of the oral infections. More clinical and toxicological studies are required for providing its efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Medicinal Plant Research Center of Barij, Kashan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Mohaddese
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mahboubi
authors.affiliation: Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taghizadeh
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Medicinal Plant Research Center of Barij, Kashan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Nastaran
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kazempour
keywords: Antimicrobial Activity; Antioxidant Activity; Extract; Pycnocycla spinosa