Determination of phytochemical content, antioxidant and mineral properties of Astragalus chamaephaca Freyn in different solvents

Abstract

Astragalus species, members of the Fabaceae family, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In addition to their traditional applications, many subspecies are now utilized in modern medicine. This study investigated the antioxidative, phenolic, and mineralogical properties of Astragalus chamaephaca Freyn for the first time. Antioxidant capacities were evaluated using the ABTS⁺ free cation radical scavenging activity, FRAP, and DPPH methods. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while quantification was performed via the LC-MS method. Substantial phenolic compounds, such as p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, and naringenin-known for their diverse biological activities-were identified. In addition, mineralogical analyses have shown the presence of essential elements, such as Ca, Mg, and K, which play crucial roles in human health.

Keywords: Astragalus; p-coumaric acid; Antioxidant activity; Mineralogical properties; Phenolic content.

Fig. 1

Total phenolic content of A. chamaephaca parts in water, methanol and ethanol extracts by Folin-Ciocalteu method as gallic acid equivalent (GAE).

Fig. 2

IC₅₀ values ​​(mg/mL) of A. chamaephaca antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method in water, methanol and ethanol extracts .

Fig. 3

IC₅₀ values ​​(mg/mL) of A. chamaephaca antioxidant activity by ABTS⁺ method in water, methanol and ethanol extracts.

Fig. 4

A. chamaephaca antioxidant activity levels by FRAP method in water, methanol and ethanol extracts as µM trolox equivalents (TEAC).