Abstract

Background: The unique properties of medicinal plants particularly their effects on human health have attracted the attention of many researchers. The antioxidant properties of medicinal plants is a strong reason to use them in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of Cynara scolymus, Echinacea purpurea and Portulaca oleracea. Aerial parts of C. scolymus, E. purpurea and P. oleracea were dried and ground.Methods: Then, plant samples were prepared using homogenizing plant powders in methanol solution. Finally, the total antioxidant capacity of the plants was assessed by ferric iron reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay.Results: The results revealed that the total antioxidant capacity was found as 3.45, 1.16 and 1.68 mmol Fe2+/L for C. scolymus, E. purpurea and P. oleracea, respectively. Based on our results, C. scolymus, E. purpurea and P. oleracea showed a potent antioxidant activity.Conclusion: It is recommended that utilization of C. scolymus, E. purpurea and P. oleracea in food and pharmaceutical industries could possibly possess beneficial health effects.