Evaluation of Phenolic Contents and Bioactivity of Root and Nutgall Extracts from Iraqian Quercus infectoria Olivier

The extracts of powdered root and nutgall of Iraqian Aleppo oak (Q. infectoria) were obtained by using three different solvents along with two extraction methods. Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was implemented to identify phytochemicals in the extracts. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity. Also, for measurement of antibacterial activity, disc diffusion and microdilution assays were used. Specifically, the nutgall extracts were found to have higher concentration of phenolic acid contents, and to some extent flavonoids and greater antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in comparison with the root extracts. Furthermore, microwave extraction technique was proven to be much more effective than conventional one in view of extraction yield for both plant parts used here.