Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of extracts & fractions of flowering thistle

Abstract

The flowering thistle (Cirsium arvense) has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, particularly in the management of diabetes and other health conditions. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of ethanol, aqueous, and hydro-alcoholic extracts, as well as the fractions of the flowering thistle plant. Using various radical scavenging assays, including DPPH, superoxide, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, the extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. The study found that the ethanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant potential, with a comparable IC50 value to the standard ascorbic acid in several assays. These findings suggest that Cirsium arvense possesses potent antioxidant properties, supporting its traditional use as a therapeutic agent.