CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT AND BIOLOGIC POTENTIAL OF A SPECIAL LESPEDEZA CAPITATA EXTRACT

CAPITATA EXTRACT (Abstract): Secondary metabolites are natural compounds synthesized by plants as an adaptation to environmental factors. Humans use such components for the prevention and treatment of minor or mild conditions. Lespedeza capitata is a medicinal and melliferous plant known for its various beneficial properties (antioxidant, antiaging, an-tiedematous, etc.). The objectives of this study were to identify and quantify the secondary metabolites from a selective L. capitata extract. Moreover, the evaluation of the antioxidant activity was part of the present research. Material and methods: Identification and semi-quantification were assessed by liquid chromatography (HPLC/MS), and the total flavonoids and polyphenols were determined by spectrophotometry according to European Pharmacope-ia indications. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and iron chelation test were used to establish the antioxidant putative effects of the investigated extract. Results : Among the identified compounds different quercetin derivatives, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid were found. The total polyphenols amounted to 174.24 mg/g GAE and flavonoids measured 95.65 mg/g rutoside equivalents. The antioxidant activity showed a good capacity to scavenge free radicals and a higher potential to chelate ferrous ions. The intensity of the effect was correlated to concentration. All in all, the investigated L. capitata extract demonstrated a polyphenol and flavonoid-rich content with good antioxidant potential.