Chemical analysis of Phenolic compounds and evaluation of Radical scavenging activity in Geranium Macrorrhizum L., using spectophotometric and chromatogpraphic methods

Abstract

The aim of the analysis is to determine Geranium macrorrhizum L. properties’ related to non-volatile compounds, to compare this plant from different years and the impact on the non-volatile compounds. To this end, the analysis is based on the determination of the total amount of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and radical scavenging activity of Geranium macrorrhizum L using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. In the past, Geranium macrorrhizum L. was used in medicine. It is also called “Rock crane’s Bill”. It is a perennial plant which was found in Bulgaria but today, it is naturalized everywhere in temperate regions [1]. This aromatic plant has been introduced in the Botanical Garden of Vytautas Magnus University. According to literature, this plant has some antimicrobial, antioxidant properties thanks to its flavonoids, phenolic acids and vitamin contents. The analysis was carried out with two types of sample: 2014 and 2015. The comparison between the two years can show differences depending on the climate. To get results, raw material of Geranium macrorrhizum L was extracted by methanol (75%) for spectrophotometry. Different spectrophotometry methods were carried out according to phenolics compounds, flavonoids and radical scavenging activity. For the determination of phenolic compounds, a Folin reagent triggered a redox reaction. For flavonoids, a solution with methanol, acetic acid (33%), aluminum chloride was prepared to obtain results by colorimetric method. Finally, radical scavenging activity was measured with the reduction of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydraxyl (DPPH). Rutin was used for the calibration as equivalent for quantitative determination of phenolic compounds. The analysis has shown that Geranium macrorrhizum L. has bioactive compounds which can be used in medicine. This analysis introduces the chemical composition of this aromatic plant which could be used for its antioxidant properties [3]. Moreover, there are differences a