Antioxidant activity of Viscum album ssp. album.

Methanolic extracts of Viscum album ssp. album (mistletoe) grown on different host trees were investigated for their potential antioxidant activity. Scavenging activity was tested by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and the inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation was examined by ferric thiocyanate and thiobarbituric acid methods. The extract from mistletoe grown on lime tree in summer showed the highest activity. It was found that antioxidant capacity of the plant differed according to the harvesting time as well as the host tree.