Proximate composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of six wild edible celeries (Smyrnium L.)

In this study, proximate composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of six Smyrnium taxa, including, Smyrnium olusatrum, Smyrnium perfoliatum, Smyrnium rotundifolium, Smyrnium cordifolium, Smyrnium connatum and Smyrnium creticum (Umbelliferae) were determined. Antioxidant properties of methanol extracts were studied by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. Among all the Smyrnium taxa, S. olusatrum showed the most potent radical scavenging activities. Antimicrobial activities of these taxa were studied using agar well diffusion method and S. perfoliatum showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 13 to 25 mm.