Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Alkaloid Extracts Obtained From Marrubium vulgare L.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of alkaloid extracts in Marrubium Vulgare L. METHODS: The extraction of total alkaloids was carried out by three different methods (Soxhlet, Maceration, and Reflux). The principle is based on the elimination of impurities contained in each phase (organic and aqueous), until obtaining a greenish-black pasty residue, presenting the total alkaloids. The antioxidant activity was determined by two methods; total antioxidant activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard. RESULTS: The extraction by maceration and by Soxhlet present higher values (9.81% and 9.57% respectively), than the extraction by reflux which presented 6.73%. The Soxhlet extract presented the highest antioxidant activity around 62,500 AAE/1gDM, while the value of ascorbic acid was 26,137.76 AAE/1gDM. Similarly, the results were observed by the ferric reducing antioxidant power, the Soxhlet extract showed the highest activity around 862.48 AAE/1gDM, while the value of ascorbic acid was 733.74 AAE/1gDM. NB: AAE/1gDM = Ascorbic Acid Equivalent per one gram of Dry Matter. CONCLUSIONS: The present results reveal that the Soxhlet extract represented a higher value regarding the yield and the antioxidant activity. FUNDING SOURCES: Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy & Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco.