Evaluation of polyphenol compounds and antioxidant activity in Ivy (Hedera helix L.) leaves

The aim: To evaluate the antioxidant activity and the amount of polyphenolic compounds in ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.) extracts collected in different European countries by spectrophotometric method. The objectives: Determine the total amount of phenolic compounds in ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.); Determine the total flavonoid content in ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.); To measure the antioxidant activity of ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.) using CUPRAC method; Compare the total quantities of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.) materials collected in different European cities. Material and methods: Ivy leaves (Hedera helix L.) collected from different European countries (n=10). The total content of phenolic compounds has been evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu method and calculated by gallic acid equivalent. Total content of flavonoids have been evaluated using spectrophotometer, results calculated and expressed in equivalent of rutin. The antioxidant activity has been measured with CUPRAC assay using spectrophotometer. Results and conclusions: The total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids collected in Europe were different. Maximum content of phenolic compounds was determined in Naujoji Akmenė, Lithuania (2,104 ± 0,052 GRE mg/ml) and the minimum was in Vienna (0,342 ± 0,01 GRE mg/ml). Maximum content of flavonoids were determined also in Naujoji Akmenė, Lithuania (0,280 ± 0,016 RE mg/g) and the minimum were identificated in Bratislava (0,146 ± 0,007 RE mg/g). In this research was measured antioxidant activity of ivy leaves. Maximum antioxidantical activity show off leaves from Naujoji Akmenė, Lithuania (0,682 ± 0,017 TE mg/g) and the minimum activity were in leaves from Bratislava (0,025 ± 0,001 TE mg/g)