Chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extract of Phellodendron amurense

The aqueous extract of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. (Amur Cork Tree) provides a rich source of antioxidants and chemical compounds, and can be used for food and wood preservative materials. In this study, we characterized the chemical composition of this extract by GC and GC/MS. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using a variety of antioxidant assays (superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide radical, and DPPH radical scavenging activity). Additionally, total polyphenolic content was determined. Phenolic acids and acetone derivatives were major compounds of the extract capable of scavenging the DPPH free radical and reducing ferric ions. DPPH and ferric ion reduction results were strongly correlated with total phenolic content of the extract which also exhibited strong nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities.