Investigation on some biological activities of drima maritima (L.) stearn (Asparagaceae) extracts

Aerobic organisms use antioxidant systems containing enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants to eliminate the harmful effects of ROS. Epidemiological studies have revealed that antioxidant components have anticancer, anti inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. This thesis study was executed in order to identify the biological activities of acetone and water extracts were achieved from above-ground and under ground parts of the Drimia maritima L. species belonging to the Asparagaceae family. The antioxidant activities of the obtained extracts were detected by DPPH free radical, Phosphomolybdenum, ABTS free radical, β-Carotene/Linoleic acid, FRAP and CUPRAC methods, while the total phenolic, total flavanoid and total tannin amounts of the related extracts were also determined. In addition, while the phenolic contents of the extracts were identified by the HPLC method, the toxic effects of Artemia salina (Brine shrimp) were also researched, the larvacidal effects on Musca domestica (Housefly) larvae were investigated. As a result of this study, the highest antioxidant activity was detected in above-ground extracts of type D. maritima compared to under ground extracts. When looking at the above-ground parts, it was found that acetone extract gave more results in the analysis of antioxidant activity and the amount of phenolic components than water extract. It has been found that it contains many phenolic compounds, especially chlorogenic acid, by the HPLC method. In the Brine shrimp toxicity test, it was found that the percentage of lethality of under ground parts and above-ground water extracts increased due to the risen concentrations. However, due to the very low mortality rate of M. domestica larvae, it was specified that there was not an effective larvidal effect of D. maritima extracts on the M. domestica larvae. According to our observations it has been revealed that the D. maritima species is a potential resource of antioxidants and can make contributions to the pharmacology, medicine and food industry.