Antioxidant Activities of Extracts from Different Parts of Sasa borealis

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant activity of water and ethanol extracts from Sasa borealis leaves, stems and roots. Methods : Sasa borealis leaves, stems and roots extract were prepared using water and ethanol. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents were analyzed. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical scavenging activity, SOD like activity, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and Nitrite scavenging activity assays were carried out to determine the antioxidant activities. Results : The antioxidant activities of the Sasa borealis appeared higher in ethanol extract than water extracts. Total polyphenol and total flavonoids contents in ethanol extracts of leaves were 24.6 mg/ml and 14.3 mg/ml, respectively, which were much higher than those of any other parts. SOD like activity was 70% ethanol extract of the leaves was highest with 15.68%. Electron donating ability was 70% ethanol extract of the leaves had the highest 59.07%. It exhibited high electron donating ability than BHT(45.68%). Nitrite scavenging activity of 70% ethanol extract was higher than the water extract at pH 2.5 and pH 4.2. Nitrite scavenging activity was 70% ethanol extract of the leaves was the highest 75.2%. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was 70% ethanol extract of the leaves was highest with 16.16%, showed very low activity than BHT(61.56%). Conclusions : These results suggest that 70% ethanol extracts from Sasa borealis leaves, exhibited higher antioxidant activities than those of root and stem, and can be potentially used as proper natural antioxidants.