Comparative evaluation of free radical scavenging in some Iranian populations of Anthemis cotula

Background: Anthemis cotula L. is an annual plant which is considered as an inferior form of chamomile. It is widely spread through human activities and considered as weed in many areas of the world. Presence of secondary products such as phenols and flavonoids in the leaves, stems and inflorescences of the plant gives medicinal properties to it. Free radical scavenging properties of these secondary metabolites may play a role as anti-cancer agents or be beneficial to the cardiovascular system.Aims: we aimed to compare the level of free radical scavenging in plant specimens from different populations.Methods: Samples from five natural habitats in the Zagros region in Iran were collected and dried. Methanol was used as a solvent to extract secondary products using a Soxhlet extractor and rotary evaporator. ۲,۲-diphenyl-۱-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was used to assess the antioxidant activities of the plant extracts.Results: Radical scavenging activities differed significantly in samples from different habitats. The highest level of antioxidant activities were recorded in the Baghmalek population in Khuzestan province.Conclusions: Various environmental factors as well as genetic and morphogenetic biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Thus plants collected from different habitats may not have the same medicinal properties.