IN VIVO AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF Cnicus benedictus

The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the in vivo and in vitro Cnicus benedictus L. antioxidant activity based on secondary metabolites (total polyphenolic content and flavonoids). The species is used as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cardiotonic, antimicrobial and anti-proliferative. The samples used for biochemical analysis were represented by two type of in vitro regenerated callus and different parts of in vivo mother plant. The callus cultures were initiated from the leaf explants from potted plant, cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2.4D) alone or in combination with 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). In our conditions, the antioxidant activity was correlated with total phenolic content. The level of flavonoids was higher in callus than in the mother plant. Through HPLC, the rutin presence was validated in callus, and a higher number of constituents were observed.