Antioxidant Profiles of She Medicines: A Comparative Study on Flavonoid and Phenolic Content

This study comprehensively evaluates the antioxidant potential of 10 She Medicines from Fujian Province, China, a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine. By systematically analyzing total flavonoid and phenolic content using validated colorimetric methods, the study highlights the bioactive components responsible for their antioxidant activity. Antioxidant assays, including DPPH, ABTS+, and FRAP, were conducted to assess radical scavenging abilities and reducing power. Results revealed significant variations in flavonoid (12.43-326.40 mg/g) and phenolic (12.15-303.88 mg/g) content among the tested She Medicines. <i>Rhus chinensis</i> Mill., Cyclocarya, and Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, correlating strongly with their bioactive compound levels. Correlation analysis indicated that total flavonoid content was significantly related to DPPH and ABTS+ scavenging abilities, while total phenolic content showed a strong positive correlation with FRAP values. These findings underscore the importance of flavonoid and phenolic compounds in the antioxidant mechanisms of She Medicines and provide a scientific foundation for their development as natural antioxidants. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the potential of She Medicines for preventing oxidative stress-related diseases and highlights their application in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. By filling gaps in the systematic comparative evaluation of She Medicines, this research supports their modern utilization and clinical application, paving the way for future in vivo studies and mechanistic explorations. The findings present an essential step toward leveraging the therapeutic potential of She Medicines in addressing oxidative stress and its associated health challenges.