Investigating the antioxidant properties and rutin content of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaves and branches

Abstract

The present study focused on the antioxidant properties and rutin content of leaves and branches of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea buckthorn) in Turkey. Dried leaves (leaf tea), processed (PB) and unprocessed branches (UB) of Sea buckthorn (SBT) were extracted with ethanol and prepared in forms of aqueous extract (AE). All samples were analyzed for their contents of rutin, total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC) and total antioxidant capacity by using DPPH and CUPRAC methods. TPC of leaves from ethanolic extracts (EE) were significantly higher than UB and PB extracts. The DPPH scavenging activity of extracts ranged from 41.93 ± 3.57 and 132.43 ± 6.57 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g, and the antioxidant capacity measured with CUPRAC method were in between 129.4 ± 18.1 and 538.5 ± 34.8 mg TE/g. Both EE and AE of leaf samples had significantly higher rutin content compared to the UB and PB samples. Taking the high antioxidant and rutin content of leaves into account and with respect to their positive health effects, consumption of SBT as a herbal tea should be investigated.

Keywords: Sea buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides, leaves, antioxidant, phenolic profile, rutin content