Correlation Between the Phenol Content and Antioxidant Efficacy of Myrtus Communis (L.) Leaf Extracts

In the present work, we have evaluated the antiradical efficacy of ethanol, methanol and n-hexane extracts from leaves of Myrtus communis L. to find potential sources of natural antioxidants. Total phenolic content was assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteau assay and Total Flavonoid Content was assessed using Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3) colorimetric method with quercetin as standard flavonoid. On the other hand, antioxidant activities of these extracts were determined spectrophotometrically at ambient temperature and 517nm using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and evaluated following the kinetics of the DPPH reduction. The Total Phenol Content of extracts ranged between 122.72 ± 1.16 to 137.46 ± 0.35 mg GAE/g extract, while the flavonoid content ranged between 18.41 ± 0.43 and 31.24 ± 1.23mg QE/g extract. In addition, the n-hexane extract showed more activity than ethanol and methanol extracts. The antiradical capacity (IC50) parameter and its TIC50 time equivalent have an influence on the antiradical capacity of extracts. The antiradical efficiency is considered to be a stronger parameter to select antioxidants compared to IC50. The present study revealed that M. communis represents an important source of natural antioxidants to ensure food safety.