Abstract

The n-butanolic extract of Stachys pilifera growing in Iran have been screened for antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumor activity. The antimicrobial capacity of this extract was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. The extract was showed mildly significant activity against these microorganisms. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays. IC₅₀ values in the DPPH assay 2.8 mg/ml. This plant showed the high antioxidant activities. DPPH assay results showed good correlations with the total phenolic contents of the plants, measured by the Folin-Ciocalteau assay: (r² = 0.871, p < 0.0001). The results of antitumor activity were showed that the extract exhibit antitumor properties. It was showed enhanced inhibitory activity compared to control compounds. It has also been proposed that concentration plays a vital role in increasing the degree of inhabitation.

Key words: Antioxidant, antitumor, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenol, antimicrobial.