Evaluation of antioxidant and antimalarial activitys of muscari inconstrictum

Abstract

Introduction: The genus Muscari (family:Asparagaceae) is native in the Mediterranean area and includes about 8 species in iran. Muscari and allied genera are ornamental plants.There have been a few studies on extracts and essential oils as well as biological activities of these plants. Scope: The objectives of this study are evaluation of the anti- malarial and antioxidant effect of Muscari inconstrictum Material and methods: The bulbs and seeds of M.inconstrictum were extracted using n-hexan, chloroform and methanol solvents by Soxhlet apparatus. N-hexan and chloroform extract of bulbs was subjected to VLC fractionation using a step gradient of ethyl acetat:n-hexane and finally with methanol.The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation in a Clevenger. The compositions of essential oil were determined by GC-MS. Free-radical scavenging activity, total phenol and total flavonoid contents of extracts and were determined using DPPH radicals, Folin-ciocalteu and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. Anti-malarial activity of the extracts was determined based on heme crystallization method.TLC analysis were used for recognizing the secondary metabolites of potent fractions. Results: Amongst the extracts, n-hexane extract of bulbs exhibited remarkable anti-malarial activities (IC50=0.68±0.003 mg/ml).Among the fractions, 40%(IC50=0.56±0.009mg/ml) VLC fractions of n-hexane extract showed potent inhibitory activities on β-hematin formation assay, respectively. The chloroform extract of bulbs showed strong free-radical scavenging activity (RC50: 0.046±0.0048mg/ml) . In regards to fractions, methanol,80% and 100% fraction showed the most potent antioxidant activity as well as high phenol and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, TLC analysis of potent fractions showed active constituents like flavonoids, coumarins and saponine. Conclusion: 40% vlc fractions of n-hexane extracts of bulbs Indicated potent anti-malaria activities, respectively. which might to be related to the presence of non-polar compounds like saponins. The Chloroform extract might contain phenolics compounds like flavonoids which might have contribution toward the significant free-radical scavenging activity of this extract.