Antioxidant activity and chemical constituents of Anthriscus vulgaris Bernh. (Apiaceae) from Algeria

The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Anthriscus vulgaris Bernh. were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 36 components have been identified in each extract. The major constituents were 1-monooleoylglycerol (20.72%), caffeic acid (15.20%), cinnamic acid (11.31%) and benzene acetic acid (10.95%). The phytochemical study led to the isolation and structural elucidation of three compounds, scopoletin, umckalin and 1-(3’,4’-dihydroxycinnamoyl) cyclopentane-2,3-diol. Moreover the ethyl acetate extract was screened for its possible in vitro antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy l(DPPH) and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays in which it displayed a noticeable activity. This study provides the first biological and chemical investigation on Anthriscus vulgaris Bernh. in Algeria.