Antioxidant activity of Prunella vulgaris extracts

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant activities of Prunella vulgaris in different extracts, which would provide theoretical basis for further research. The powder of P. vulgaris was extracted with 70% ethanol (in water, V/V) using ultrasonic extraction, and then the filtrate was extracted followed with ethyl acetate, nbutanol and water at equal volume. The antioxidant activities of different extracts were evaluated and BHT was used as a positive control. The results showed that the extracts of P. vulgaris have great antioxidant activity. Scavenging abilities on DPPH of the extracts and BHT were in descending order: ethyl acetatenbutanolBHTwater. Scavenging abilities on OH of the extracts and BHT were in descending order: BHTethyl acetatenbutanolwater. Scavenging abilities on O2- of the extracts and BHT were in descending order: ethyl acetatewaterBHT nbutanol. Reducing power of the extracts were in descending order: BHTethyl acetatenbutanolwater. The ethyl acetate extract of P. vulgaris had a strong antioxidant activity.