Screening of the antioxidant activity of extracts from Hedera helix leaves using the HPLC/ABTS method

Hedera helix is widely used as a remedy to treat the respiratory infections and cold accompanied with cough due to its anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, the antioxidant activity of its extracts has been confirmed. It is explained by the high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids among all phytochemicals of H. helix leaves. However, it remains uncertain which exactly components are responsible for the antioxidant activity and what is the best way to perform extraction. Aim. To determine the antioxidant profile of different extracts from H. helix leaves using the in vitro HPLC method combined with the ABTS reagent. Materials and methods. Extraction of H. helix leaves was conducted with different solvents (from 20 % methanol to 100 % methanol using an ultrasound bath); the method described in the Pharmacopeia was also used. A Waters chromatograph was used to determine the antioxidant profile. Results. About 90 % of the components responsible for the antioxidant activity were determined using the HPLC method proposed. Among them, chlorogenic acid and 3,5-caffeoylquinic acid showed the highest activities. Other components, such as neochlorogenic acid, hyperoside and 3,4-caffeoylquinic acid were revealed as components with the antioxidant scavenging activities in H. helix lextracts. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that extracts from H. helix leaves possess the high antioxidant scavenging capacity. In addition, the in vitro HPLC method proposed can be used for the primary screening of components in the plant raw material.