Antioxidative Effects of Extracts from Different Parts of Epimedium koreanum Nakai

This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activities of 70% ethanol extracts from different parts (root, stem, and leaf) of Epimedium koreanum Nakai. Ethanol extracts from the three parts of Epimedium koreanum Nakai were assessed for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2`-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, myoglobin protective ratio, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Root part showed the highest total phenolic content ( chlorogenic acid equivalent/g) and total flavonoid content ( quercetin equivalent/g). Leaf part showed the strongest radical scavenging activities (DPPH radical; 80%, myoglobin protective ratio; 90% and FRAP; 98.7% at 20 mg/mL). Root part showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging at 1 mg/mL. Therefore, the results of the antioxidant activity test were correlated with total phenolic and flavonoid content values. Thus, Epimedium koreanum Nakai has great potential as a natural source for human health.