Methanol and water extracts of Salvia virgata Jacq. aerial parts were examined for its phenolic contents and anti-oxidant activities. Both extracts were investigated for their total phenolic contents, total flavonoids and flavonols, qualitative-quantitative compositions (by HPLC-PDA analysis). Free radical scavenging activities (using DPPH? and ABTS?+), iron(II) chelation activity and also the peroxidation level was determined by TBA method. The antioxidant activity of extracts were given as IC50 values and compared with standards; butylated hydoxyanisole, butylated hydoxytoluene, rosmarinic acid, ascorbic acid, and gallic acid. Methanol extract was found to be active for DPPH? radical scavenging activity where as water extract was more active for ABTS?+ radical scavenging. The methanol extract enriched in phenolic compound and rosmarinic acid as the main component in both extracts has been iden-tified.
Keywords: Salvia virgata, Antioxidant activity, HPLC