ANATOMY AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY ASSESSMENT OF DIANTHUS ANCYRENSIS

Objective: Dianthus ancyrensis Hausskn. & Bornm. (Caryophyllaceae), commonly known as "Ankara karanfili", is a perennial herbaceous plant characterized by a slender stem and linear leaves. Dianthus species have a long history of traditional uses for various ailments including pain relief, stomachaches, heart diseases, and respiratory problems. Scientific research supported by previous studies has revealed the antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial properties of Dianthus species. Material and Method: In this study, the anatomy of the D. ancyrensis was examined by light microscopy and its antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical scavenging tests. Plant material was collected from Ankara and extracted by maceration in 70% ethanol. Anatomical sections were prepared and visualised under the microscope with Sartur reagent, gallic acid and trolox were used as references in the antioxidant analyses. Total phenolic content and IC₅₀ values were calculated spectrophotometrically. Result and Discussion: Anatomical observations revealed a disk-shaped stem with stomata and simple covering hairs present on the epidermal layer, accompanied by 2 or 3 subsidiary cells. The leaf displayed centric characteristics, with a main vascular bundle accompanied by two smaller veins. Stomata were located on the upper epidermis, while simple covering hairs were prominent on the midrib and leaf margin. The midrib exhibited sclerenchymatous tissue surrounding the phloem from the abaxial side, and large crystal druses were observed in both the midrib and mesophyll. The total phenolic content of the extract was measured at 216.97 mg GAE/g of dry extract. DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical scavenging capacities of the extract were calculated as 2.68 and 1.68 mg/ml, respectively.