Antioxidant Properties of Rydingia persica (Burm.f.) Scheen & V.A. Albert (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

Rydingia persica (Burm.f.) Scheen & V.A. Albert (Lamiaceae) also known as Otostegia persica belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Lamiaceae family is one of the largest and most distinct families of flowering plants with about 220 genera and approximately 4000 species worldwide. The Otostegia genus consists of about 33 species that mainly grow in the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. The purpose of this research was to investigate the antioxidant properties of the golder plant and its phytochemical studies. This research was based on the phytochemical analysis of Otostegia persica samples. First, the extraction was done by soaking with different solvents (water, ethanol) and then the antioxidant properties of the plant were done by DPPH and Reducing Power methods on each of the extracts separately, and then the total phenol content, Anthocyanin, a plant flavonoid, was measured. The leaves of these plants were used for phytochemical studies. These findings suggest that Otostegia persica could serve as a valuable natural source of antioxidants, supporting its traditional medicinal applications and potential use in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract demonstrated a stronger inhibitory effect than the aqueous extract. Ethanol, being a high-polarity solvent, extracts highly polar bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are known for their potent antioxidant activity.  The bioactive compounds present in Otostegia persica may have broader therapeutic applications beyond antioxidant activity. Additionally, isolating and characterizing the specific phytochemicals responsible for its high antioxidant potential could facilitate the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products and supporting its traditional medicinal uses and expanding its role in various health-related industries.