Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Some plant Powders
Abstract
The increasing concerns regarding the safety of synthetic antioxidants and their potential health risks have encouraged the search for natural alternatives derived from plant sources. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of three plant extracts, namely( Melissa officinalis ) lemon balm leaves, pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel of fruits, and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves, as potential natural substitutes for synthetic antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Plant materials were extracted using organic solvents assisted by ultrasound technology to enhance extraction efficiency and maximize the recovery of bioactive compounds. The extraction process yielded extracts rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids compounds and other secondary metabolites known for their biological activities.The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the three powdered samples were determined , and the individual bioactive compounds were subsequently separated and characterized by HPLC apparatus.