International Journal of Biology; Vol. 5, No. 2; 2013

ISSN 1916-9671   E-ISSN 1916-968X

Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education

The Effects of Cuminuyminum L. and Carum carvi L.

Seed Extracts on Human Erythrocyte Hemolysis

Omar M. Atrooz

Department of Biological Sciences, Mutah University, Jordan

Correspondence: Omar M. Atrooz, Department of Biological Sciences, P. O. Box (7), Mutah University, Jordan.

Tel: 962-797-127-237. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: June 10, 2012      Accepted: February 20, 2013     
Online Published: March 4, 2013

doi:10.5539/ijb.v5n2p57          URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ijb.v5n2p57

Abstract

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) and caraway (Carum carvi L.) are aromatic plants within the Apiaceae family. They have a variety of purposes and demonstrate antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Methanolic and acetonic seed extracts of both plants were able to neutralize free radicals and carried antioxidant properties. Both seed extracts were able to protect erythrocytes from hemolysis. The methanolic cumin extract showed a higher percentage of protection than both extracts of caraway. Seed extracts of cumin showed slightly higher neutralization ability than caraway seed extracts (57.0 and 52.4% vs. 44.7 and 39.5%, respectively). Antioxidant properties of both seed plants may be useful in pharmacologic preparations.

Keywords:

methanolic extract, acetonic extract, DPPH, antioxidant, β-carotene