The growing demand for safe, natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants—many of which are
linked to adverse health effects—has intensified interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds. This
study investigates the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Saponaria officinalis
L. (Caryophyllaceae), cultivated within the cultural flora of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques were employed to identify key classes of
secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and saponins.
Ethanol extracts of leaves and flowers demonstrated strong antioxidant potential, with
DPPH radical-scavenging inhibition rates of 87.6% and 86.4% at 50 mg/mL concentration,
respectively. Chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of flavone, 3-hydroxyflavone, and
β-carotene in leaf extracts, as well as apigenin, flavanones, and hydroxyflavones in flower extracts.
Spectrophotometric data identified chlorophyll peaks at 664 nm and carotenoid absorption at 470
nm. The total phenolic content of aerial parts was quantified as 7.12 μg/mg gallic acid equivalents
(GAE).
These findings suggest that S. officinalis L. is a potent natural source of antioxidant compounds
with potential applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries as an
alternative to synthetic antioxidants.