Electron spin resonance estimation of hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity of a medicinal moss tea

Abstract

As part of our ongoing investigation on the moss Rhodobryum ontariense (Kindb.) Kindb. (Bryaceae), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for a wide range of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity screening of its lyophilised aqueous extract (tea) was conducted by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The study led to the detection of a significant activity (94 +/- 1%) indicating antioxidant potential of the examined moss species. Moreover, the tea showed no cytotoxicity in the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) test. Since the extract was classified as rich in saccharide constituents, this group of organic compounds was suspected to be main scavengers of the hydroxyl radical.