The Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Endemic Species Ajuga postii Briq. and Ajuga relicta P.H.Davis (Lamiaceae) from Turkey

Background: Ajuga species are anthelmintic, diuretic, antifungal, and antimycobacterial agents.Lamiaceae members Ajuga postii Briq. and Ajuga relicta P.H.Davis are local endemic species of Turkey. Aim: To give information about the total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the species. Methods: The total phenolic contents of the extracts have been quantified with Folin Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the antioxidant activities of the extracts have been tested with DPPH, ABTS, and β-carotene / Linoleic acid assays. Results: Deodorized water extracts of the two species have been observed with the highest phenolic contents. 70% methanol extracts of A. relicta have the highest rates for the three antioxidant activity tests. However, different extracts of A. postii have been observed with different activity rates in all three antioxidant assays. Conclusion: The species are in restricted areas and can become extinct over time, therefore important of the study increases.