Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of Dracocephalum moldavica L. seed extracts using different extraction methods

Abstract

Dracocephalum moldavica L. (DM) is used to treat cardiovascular diseases and dermatitis. However, the properties of DM seed and its extracts remain unclear. We analyzed the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of aqueous extract (AE), ethanolic extract (EE), and supercritical CO2 extracted oil (SC-oil) of DM seed. Alphalinolenic acid was the most abundant fatty acid (51.4-61.6%) with an omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 2.93-3.42 to 1. Stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol + fucosterol were the main components of DM seed extracts, and campesterol was detected only in SC-oil. The total tocopherol content, especially gamma-tocopherol, was 60% higher in EE than in AE and SC-oil, whereas beta-carotene was detected only in SC-oil. The content of total phenols and flavonoids was the highest in EE. Rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and caffeic acid were detected only in EE. The radical scavenging activity of EE was the highest in EE. The results can help promote DM application.