| Abstract [eng] |
Plants are still highly valued as a rich source of therapeutic agents. The medicinal value of plants depends on the presence of biologically active ingredients which can be utilized in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries, because they are regarded as health promoting/disease preventing compounds and as antioxidant and antimicrobial additives. Nevertheless, a large number of botanicals still remain poorly investigated. From this point of view, the tropical flora, which is more seriously threatened with extinction than many other species in different parts of the world, is of particular interest. Phyllanthus phillyreifolius and Aphloia theiformis belong to the plant species which are indigenous to Reunion Island, a French overseas department. Although both species are locally used in the folk medicine, scientific information on them is fairly limited. In this study was comprehensively evaluated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of P. phillyreifolius and A. theiformis extracts isolated by various extractions methods and solvents. Furthermore, P. phillyreifolius extracts were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity in cells. The study showed that extracts of investigated plant species were very strong antioxidants, containing valuable phytochemicals. |
