Clinopodium graveolens (Syn: Acinos graveolens) with Persian name of Faranjmoshk is one of the seeds that are sold in Iranian herbal markets [1]. According to Persian traditional manuscripts Faranjmoshk is useful for varies medical purposes like anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease and bone and joint pain [2]. These seeds are prescribed after soaking in rose or Pussy willow distillates with or without honey. Based on our knowledge there is no published study about these seeds. In this study, antioxidant and total phenolic content of C. graveolens seeds were investigated. Seeds of C. graveolens (50 g) were crushed using a laboratory mill. Ground material (30 g) was extracted by maceration using 300 ml of ethanol-water (80:20). Antioxidant activity was estimated by2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In addition, Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine the total phenolic content. IC50 value of DPPH scavenging activity was 150µg/mL. Total phenolic content was 106.43 mg as gallic acid equivalent/g extract. It seems that the phenolic constituents of the seeds are probably responsible for some part of antioxidant activity. Due to the limited studies about C. graveolens seed, more scientific surveys may be helpful for clarifying other phytochemical constituents and biological properties of this medicinal plant.
[1] Joharchi MR, Amiri MS. Taxonomic evaluation of misidentification of crude herbal drugs marketed in Iran. AJP 2012; 2: 105-112.
[2] Aghili Shirazi SMH. (1772/1855). Makhzan ol Advieh. Tehran: Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 2009: 589.