ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF EXTRACTS FROM BULGARIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS

Abstract

The aim of this research is to establish the redox–modulating capacity of extracts from 5 traditional Bulgarian medicinal plants: Geranium sanguineum, Artemisia annua, Tribulus terrestris, Cichorium intybus and Cotinus coggygria, comparing their antioxidant capacity at the same concentrations subsequently adding them to the composition of a sperm extender for rams. The methods used include ABTS•+ free radical reduction ability, DPPH• radical reduction, ferric iron reduction by the FRAP method, as well as reduction of cupric ions (Cu2+) to cupric ions (Cu1+) by the CUPRAC method. As a result, all tested extracts had a high potential for neutralizing free radicals. In conclusion, we can hypothesize that their use also as protective agents in ram sperm diluents will protect gametes from oxidative stress that lowers sperm quality and fertilizing potential.