Comparison between the Antioxidant Activity of Volatile Oil and Hydrosol in Eucalyptus Camaldulensis (Young and Adult) Leaves

Essential oils have been reported as an important compounds in the pharmaceutical industries for their antibacterial and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis volatile oil and hydrosol obtained from young and adult leaves. Oil extraction was carried out by using steam distillation method. The antioxidant power was estimated by using the DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1,1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP(ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) was used as positive control. The results show that young leaves of E. camaldulensis provide essential oil (2-4%), while in adult leaves the oil percentage was (1-2%). The IC50 of volatile oil in young leaves for the DPPH and FRAP assays was (237.178 and 243.664 μg/ml) respectively while in adult leaves IC50 was not observed. IC50 of hydrosol in young leaves of DPPH and FRAP assays was higher as compared with control and adult leaves. The results also showed that the antioxidant activity of volatile oil and Hydrosol in adults leaves was more than in young leaves. The current study revealed the possibility of using this volatile oil and hydrosol as a natural antioxidants.