Antioxidant and Quantitative Estimation of Phenolic, Flavonoid and Carotenoids Contents of Phormidium Species

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are more susceptible for oxidative stress and damage due to high contents of secondary metabolites. In this study, antioxidant activity of acetone and methanol extracts of Phormidium species was studied using in vitro assay. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was measured by free radical scavenging activity assay (DPPH method), Hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined by using Gallic acid and Quercetin as a standard. In addition, total chlorophylls and carotenoids were also estimated. The results of the study showed that Phormidium sp. possesses significant antioxidant properties and may be considered as one of the natural sources for isolation of antioxidant compounds for pharmaceutical application.