The red blood cells catalase activity is influenced by taraxacum officinale

Natural antioxidants protect cells against oxidative stress, which is directly involved in ageing processes and in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and neoplastic diseases. Taraxacum officinale (TO) due to its rich content of biologically active ingredients has been commonly used in traditional medicine. It contains a wide spectrum of compounds with antioxidant activity. The content depends of parts of this plant. The roots are rich in phenolic and terpene compounds, sesquiterpene lactones, fructosans and inulin, while leaves are rich in substances belonging to flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins and vitamins, especially vitamin A. The literature results prove that antioxidant activity of TO depends on several factors including the plant part, the solvent used, as well as the duration of extraction. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the action of alcoholic extracts of roots and leaves of TO on RBC’s catalase activity. Material and methods. Raw Taraxacum officinale plant material consisted of dried leaves and roots were harvested from a natural site. The extracts for analysis were prepared using 20, 25, 40, 50 and 80% (v/v) ethanol mixtures used as solvents. The catalase activity was established by using RBC of healthy persons. Conclusions. Phytotherapeutic herbs and plants continue to play an important role in the discovery and development of drugs. Leaves and roots of dandelion represent a rich source of bioactive compounds for potential exploitation in nutraceuticals and pharmacological sectors. Taraxacum officinale has a high ability to act as an antioxidant. The highest influence on RBC’s catalase activity was reported in case of roots ethanolic extracts of 25%. These actions are realized due to multiple substances, whose content probably depends of ethanol’s concentration. Additional studies are needed to characterize biological activities of these extracts.