Evaluation of antioxidant activities of Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) fruits, Impact of extraction methods

The efficiencies of three extraction methods i.e. Maceration, soxhlet and ultrasonically assisted extraction were evaluated for the extraction of antioxidants from Laurus nobilis fruits. L. nobilis a member of the Lauraceae family is an evergreen tree or shrub is cultivated in many warm parts of the word. This plant is traditionally used to treat the symptoms of many disorders such as gastrointestinal problems, epilepsy, neuralgia and Parkinsonism. It is a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidant activities of extracts were evaluated with four different tests. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. In general, soxhlet extract with higher total phenolic contents showed better DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging activities than other extracts and meceration extract with higher flavonoid contents showed better hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the different extracts in reducing power. The activities were not comparable with that of vitamin C which used as positive control (p < 0.05). Results showed that the extracts could serve as weak electron donors. All three extraction methods could extract antioxidants from this plant.