Background and Aim: Jujube (Ziziphus Jujuba Mill.) is one of the medicinal herbs with grows in dry and semi-dry areas in Iran; mainly in the South Khorasan province. The present study aimed at evaluating anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging capacity in different types of Jujuba.
Materials and Methods: Four ecotypes of Jujubes were collected from different parts of the South Khorasan providence (Sarayan, Quaen, Arish, and Boshad). The collected samples were air dried and then their aqueous extract was prepared in different dilutions. Anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of the samples were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) methods. Their AAPH-induced hemolysis prevention was also analyzed. The total phenolic content of the samples was assessed using Folin–Ciocalteau method.
Results: Maximum phenolic content was obtained from Quaen Jujube (1317±4.3 equal to μmol Gallic acid). The highest antioxidant capacity by FRAP (1390.1 ± 65.5μmol/L) also belonged to Quaen jujube. The ability of Arish Jujube extracts in scavenging and neutralizing free radical, tested by DPPH, was always higher compared to the other extracts. Results obtained from the effects of different dilutions of Jujube extracts (0-25 – 5 mg/ml) on hemolysis showed a dose dependent relationship. All the extracts showed dose dependent reducing hemolysis in a specific range of concentrations, induced by 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). There was no significant statistical difference between jujube ecotypes in preventing hemolysis.
Conclusion: According to total phenolic content of the Jujobe extracts, its significant antioxidant properties and radical scavenging activities, which was tested through different methods, it can be a potential booster for anti-oxidant capacities.

Keywords: Jujube, Phenolic contents, Total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical, AAPH radical.

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