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To determine the in vitro antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of essential oils from the rhizomes of Cyperus distans, Cyperus papyrus and Cyperus rotundus collected from different locations.

The study was design to investigate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties of essential oils from the rhizomes of Cyperus distans, Cyperus papyrus and Cyperus rotundus in order to assess their medicinal values.

Fresh plant materials of Cyperus distans, Cyperus papyrus and Cyperus rotundus were randomly collected at the flowering stage between October, 2006 and September, 2007 from different locations in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

The antioxidant potential of the oils of C. distans, C. papyrus and C. rotundus was evaluated by 1,1-diphenylpicryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, metal chelating and reducing potential methods. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the oils were determined by spectrophotometer using Gallic acid and Quercetin equivalents, respectively.

The essential oils of C. distans, C. papyrus and C. rotundus showed no metal chelating activity and poor aptitude to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical with inhibitory concentration (IC50) >173 µg/mL, when compared to standard antioxidants; butyl hydroxyl anisole (BHA), butyl hydroxyl toluene (BHT), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and α-tocopherol with IC50 ≤10.70 µg/ mL. But, displayed significant antioxidant effects, when tested with other methodologies. The total phenolic content and the concentrations of flavonoid in the oils …