Dynamic Comparison of Free Radical Scavenging Abilities of Hypericum Perforatum L., Herba Verbenae Officinalis, and Valeriana Officinalis L. Extracts

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to compare the dynamic antioxidant activities and the free radical scavenging abilities of three botanical supplements, Hypericum perforatum L. (HPL), Herba Verbena Officinalis (HVO), and Valeriana officinalis L. (VO), which have been reported to effectively treat menopause symptoms. Methods: The antioxidant activities of the three supplements were determined by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. In addition, their free radical scavenging abilities were studied by ftheir interactions with the stable radicals of 2, 2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Results: The results indicated that the HPL ethanolic extract exhibited greater antioxidant activity (1.2688 ± 0.01 mmol Trolox/g) than the HVO ethanolic extract (1.1686± 0.043 mmol Trolox/g) and the VO ethanolic extract (0.2579 ± 0.0031 mmol Trolox/g) as compared to Nilestriol (0.0026±0.0012), a positive control agent in the experiment. Moreover, the HPL extract showed remarkable free radical scavenging activity against ABTS•+, and the HVO extract was the most potent against DPPH•. Conclusion: These activities may be attributed to the total flavonoid or phenolic acid contents of among these extracts.