Antioxidative and cardioprotective activities of total flavonoids from Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.)

Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L., Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb native to central Asia and naturalized in eastern and central Europe. It is commonly consumed as a food-related product and as a herbal preparation because of its reputed medicinal properties. In this study, antioxidative and cardioprotective activities of total flavonoids extracts from Moldavian balm collected from Xinjiang was studied. The antioxidative effects of total flavonoids were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging, and anti-lipid peroxidation capacity. Our results showed that total flavonoids from Moldavian balm possessed antioxidant activities and cardioprotective effects on acute ischemia/reperfusion performed in rat heart in vivo. These results show that total flavonoids from Moldavian balm could be useful as antioxidant, cardioprotective and nutraceutical sources.