Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic, Flavonoid and Saponin Contents of Different Solvent Extracts of C. phrygius Bornm.

It is known that some members of t he genus Convolvulus L. are commonly used in Turkish folk medicine. These species are powerful in curing the toothache and joint pains. This study was focused on the determination of the total phenolic, flavonoid and saponin contents of the different solvent (methanol, acetone and petroleum benzine) extracts of C. phrygius as well as its antioxidant activity. Folin-Ciocalteu assay, aluminium colorimetric and vanillin-sulphuric acid method were used to detect total phenolic, flavonoid and saponin contents in the extracts, respectively. The antioxidant activities were determined by using ABTS, NO, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating methods. The methanol extract of C. phrygius demonstrated highest antioxidant and total phenolic, flavonoid and saponin content. Our results showed that C. phrygius could be accepted as a novel and alternative natural antioxidant source. Further studies should be carried out on the identification of responsible active components.