Electron spin resonance assessment of the antioxidant potential of medicinal plants. Part I. Contribution of anthocyanosides and flavonoids to the radical scavenging ability of fruit and herbal teas.

Radical scavenging properties of the extracts of some fruits and flowers, as well as of their complex formulations used as fruit teas, were tested on DPPH radical using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The contents of anthocyanosides and flavonoids in plant materials were determined with spectrophotometric method. The most effective DPPH radical scavengers were extracts from Fructus Aroniae, Fructus Myrtilli and Fructus Rosae and the fruit teas, including them as main ingredients. No simple correlation was found between the scavenging activity and the content of anthocyanosides and flavonoids. The results can be rationalised by taking into account the presence of catechins and ascorbic acid.