Abstract
This study focused on a phytochemical analysis of Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch., B. ciliata (Haw.) Stemb., and B. x ornata Stein, and evaluation of their free radical scavenging properties. Arbutin and total tannin contents of the leaves of the Bergenia species were determined during different seasons.
The highest total tannin content was found in the leaves of B. crassifolia and B. x ornata. The highest amount of arbutin was in the leaves of B. x ornata and B. crassifolia.
Autumn was better than spring for the collection of Bergenia leaves for the highest amount of arbutin. Free radical scavenging potential, in DPPH and ABTS assays, of the water leaf extracts revealed that extracts of B. crassifolia and B. x ornata are the most active radical scavengers.
Antioxidant activity correlated well with the content of total tannin.