Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of extracts from anamorphic mycelia of Cordyceps militaris in vitro

The extracts of different solvents from anamorphic mycelia of Cordyceps militaris were analyzed for their antioxidant activities in different test systems.The results showed that all kinds of extracts have evident effects on scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical(·DPPH) and hydroxyl radical.For the extracts of deionized water,70% ethanol and 70% acetone at 50mg/mL,DPPH radical scavenging activity was 89.2%,83.6% and 75.9%,respectively.When the concentration of 70% ethanol extracts was at 30mg/mL,hydroxyl radical scavenging activities was up to 100%.When the extracts of 70% acetone and deionized water were at 50mg/mL,hydroxyl radical scavenging activities was 95.6% and 89.6%,respectively.In certain concentration,the extracts contain restraining effects on pyrogallol autooxidation.Reducing power of the extracts followed in the order:70% ethanol deionized water 70% acetone.The concentration of the extracts is in direct proportion to the antioxidant activity,and the antioxidant components may be different in various extracts.