Free radical scavengers from Mutisia friesiana (asteraceae) and Sanicula graveolens (apiaceae)

The water-soluble extract of Sanicula graveolens (Apiaceae) and Mutisia friesiana (Asteraceae) showed radical scavenging activity in the DPPH decoloration assay. Bioassay-guided isolation led to caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoids as the main active compounds of both species. After hydrolysis, caffeic acid and quercetin proved to be the bioactive principles of both plants. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.