Volume 04 Issue 10-2024 36 American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation (ISSN – 2771-2753) VOLUME 04 ISSUE 10 PAGES: 36-44 OCLC – 1121105677 Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services Servi ABSTRACT For centuries, medicinal plants have been integral to treating ailments, with both traditional and modern medicine benefiting from their biologically active compounds. These plant-based remedies continue to be essential in healthcare, and interest in studying them has only grown. Corn silk (Zea mays L.) is one such valuable natural resource. This study focuses on quantifying the total flavonoid and β-carotene content in corn silk, alongside evaluating its antioxidant properties using phytochemical methods. Our findings contribute to the broader understanding of corn silk’s potential therapeutic benefits and its relevance in natural medicine. KEYWORDS Corn silk, carotenoids, flavonoids, macro- and microelements. INTRODUCTION It is known that preparations obtained based on medicinal plants are widely used in medicine in many countries around the world today. The reason for this is explained by the fact that drugs of natural origin Research Article DETERMINATION OF SOME BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN CORN SILK (ZEA MAYS L) Submission Date: October 25, 2024, Accepted Date: October 20, 2024, Published Date: October 30, 2024 Crossref doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume04Issue10-04 I.R. Askarov Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor, Chairman of the "TABOBAT" Academy of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan ORCiD: 0000-0003-1625-0330 F.S. Abdugapparov Docent of Department of Chemistry, Andijan State University, 170100, Andijan, Uzbekistan L.K. Lutfullin Professor of Department of Chemistry, Andijan State University, 170100, Andijan, Uzbekistan Journal Website: https://theusajournals. com/index.php/ajbspi Copyright: Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the creative commons attributes 4.0 licence. https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume03Issue03-01 https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?q= https://www.mendeley.com/search/?page=1&query= https://theusajournals.com/ https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume04Issue10-04 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajbspi https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajbspi Volume 04 Issue 10-2024 37 American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation (ISSN – 2771-2753) VOLUME 04 ISSUE 10 PAGES: 36-44 OCLC – 1121105677 Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services Servi have less toxic properties and do not have side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Also, preparing ointments, tinctures, aerosols, and various powders made from medicinal plants is relatively easy and does not require complex technological devices and methods. This means that many of the above- mentioned remedies can be prepared at home.. Many countries around the world are currently conducting extensive research to isolate biologically active compounds from medicinal plants, develop food additives based on these compounds, and implement them in practice. Corn silk (Zea mays L.) is regarded as a valuable natural medicinal source, commonly used in both traditional and modern medicine for its choleretic, diuretic, and hemostatic properties. Its rich chemical composition has made corn silk the focus of research at various scientific centers worldwide. This growing interest is driven by the historically proven effectiveness of corn silk and the absence of side effects that are often associated with toxic and synthetic drugs [1]. For many years, in folk medicine, a tincture made from corn silk has been used as a choleretic agent in inflammatory diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, and as an effective diuretic in internal bleeding, kidney and bladder stones [3,4]. Corn silk contains as biologically active substances - taraxerol, taraxisterol, androsterol, taraxacin, sterol, choline, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, rubber, tars, inulin, fatty acids, essential oils and protein substances, additives, oleanolic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, malic acid, mineral salts, alcohols, flavonoids, vitamin C, group B vitamins, vitamin P, provitamin A, choline, asparagine, iron salts, potassium and phosphorus salts [2]. Recent analysis of modern scientific literature has shown that flavonoids, which are biologically active compounds found in corn silk, have been extensively studied. In addition to these flavonoids, other groups of biologically active compounds from this raw material are also receiving significant attention in research. Table 1. Some biological active compounds are present in corn silk class of biological active compounds Compounds Flavonoids Maizin, methoxymaizin, chrysoeryl, 6-S-β-fucopyranoside, 4"-ON- 3'-methoxymaizin molludistin, isomolludistin, vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin, isoscoparin, isoquercetrin, quercetrin-3,7- diglucoside Phenolcarboxylic acids Chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, hydroxodolchinic acid https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume03Issue03-01 https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?q= https://www.mendeley.com/search/?page=1&query= Volume 04 Issue 10-2024 38 American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation (ISSN – 2771-2753) VOLUME 04 ISSUE 10 PAGES: 36-44 OCLC – 1121105677 Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services Servi Nutrient Gallic acid, ellagic acid, gallocatechin, epicatechin, catechin, epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate Vitamins Phylloquinone, tamin, riboflavin, tocopherol, nicotinamide, ascorbic acid Polysaccharides Rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, galactose, glucose Oleanolinic acid, ursolic acid B-sitosterol, stigmasterol Alcohols: 2.3-butanediol, ethanol, 1.2-propanediol, 2- furanmethanol. Ketones 2.3-butanedione, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 3-methyl-2,5-furandio, 2-heptanone, 3-octanone, 2,4- pentanedione Aldehydes: benzeneacetaldehyde, heptanal, hexanal, proparal, pentanal, furfurol Saponins Rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, galactose, glucose Oleanolinic acid, ursolic acid B-sitosterol, stigmasterol Alcohols: 2.3-butanediol, ethanol, 1.2-propanediol, 2- furanmethanol. Ketones 2.3-butanedione, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 3-methyl-2,5-furandio, 2-heptanone, 3-octanone, 2,4- pentanedione Aldehydes: benzeneacetaldehyde, heptanal, hexanal, proparal, pentanal, furfurol Phytosterols Rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, galactose, glucose Oleanolinic acid, ursolic acid B-sitosterol, stigmasterol Alcohols: 2.3-butanediol, ethanol, 1.2-propanediol, 2- furanmethanol. Ketones 2.3-butanedione, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 3-methyl-2,5-furandio, 2-heptanone, 3-octanone, 2,4- pentanedione https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume03Issue03-01 https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?q= https://www.mendeley.com/search/?page=1&query= Volume 04 Issue 10-2024 39 American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation (ISSN – 2771-2753) VOLUME 04 ISSUE 10 PAGES: 36-44 OCLC – 1121105677 Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services Servi Aldehydes: benzeneacetaldehyde, heptanal, hexanal, proparal, pentanal, furfurol Volatile compounds Rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, galactose, glucose Oleanolinic acid, ursolic acid B-sitosterol, stigmasterol Alcohols: 2.3-butanediol, ethanol, 1.2-propanediol, 2- furanmethanol. Ketones 2.3-butanedione, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 3-methyl-2,5-furandio, 2-heptanone, 3-octanone, 2,4- pentanedione Aldehydes: benzeneacetaldehyde, heptanal, hexanal, proparal, pentanal, furfurol Amino acids Asparagine, glutamine, glycine, alanine, lysine, proline. serine, threonine, cysteine, valine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, histidine, arginine, cystine Flavonoids found in corn silk have garnered significant attention from researchers due to their unique physicochemical structure. In addition to flavonoids, corn silk also contain phenolic-carboxylic acids, vitamin K, phytosterols, volatile compounds, polysaccharides, amino acids, and saponins. The pharmacological properties of corn silk are of considerable importance in practical medicine. Current research highlights their various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hypotensive, neuroprotective, and photoprotective activities. Scientific literature provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of corn silk in the complex treatment of tumor diseases. This research focuses on the spectroscopic determination of flavonoid and β-carotenoid levels in corn silk. Experimental part:The amounts of β-carotenoids and total flavonoids in dried and ground corn silk were measured using an EMC-30PC spectrophotometer (Germany) by assessing the optical densities of the solutions. The determination of flavonoid content was carried out following the method outlined in reference [5]. To conduct the analysis, we utilized the GOST 55312- 2012 method. The research object was corn silk, which was crushed to a particle size that passed through a 1 mm sieve. An analytical sample consisting of 1 g of dried corn silk was placed in a 100 ml conical flask, to https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume03Issue03-01 https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?q= https://www.mendeley.com/search/?page=1&query= Volume 04 Issue 10-2024 40 American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation (ISSN – 2771-2753) VOLUME 04 ISSUE 10 PAGES: 36-44 OCLC – 1121105677 Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services Servi which 25 ml of a 1% hydrochloric acid solution was added along with 30%, 45%, and 80% ethanol solutions. The mixture was continuously stirred using a magnetic stirrer at room temperature. The resulting solution was then filtered to obtain solution A. From this filtrate, 1 ml was transferred into a 25 ml volumetric flask, and the volume was brought to the mark with ethyl alcohol. Each mixture was heated in a water bath for 30, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively. The optical density of the solutions was measured using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 430 nm, and the total flavonoid content in the product was determined using the following formula. Here D is the optical density of the substance under investigation; m - product weight, g W-Mass loss during drying of raw materials, % = 14% The method recommended in GF XIV was used to determine the amount of β-carotenoid and the amount was calculated by the following formula [4]. Here, D is the optical density of the substance under investigation; 2773 - 450 nm β-carotenoid relative absorption index; 2- the volume of the hexane separation to obtain the test solution, 30- the volume of the extract (ml), 25- the volume of the test solution (ml), m is the mass of the product, g; W-product moisture. Table 2. Amount of β-carotenoid in 100 g of corn silk Extractant Product-Extractant Ratio Fineness, mm Extraction time, min β-carotene quantity, mg Hexane 1:5 1,0 30 0,28 From the above data, it can be seen that the β- carotenoid contained in the corn silk is isolated in high yield (0.28 mg) when extracted with hexane. Table 3. Metrological characteristics of determination of β-carotenoid content in corn silk n X,% S2 Sx P,% T (p,f) ±∆ E,% https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume03Issue03-01 https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?q= https://www.mendeley.com/search/?page=1&query= Volume 04 Issue 10-2024 41 American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation (ISSN – 2771-2753) VOLUME 04 ISSUE 10 PAGES: 36-44 OCLC – 1121105677 Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services Servi 12 9.54 0.0662 0.2573 95 2.18 ±0.1619 ±0.027 The results of statistical analysis of the obtained data indicate that the error in determining the amount of β- carotenoids in corn silk, within a 95% confidence interval, is ± 0.027%. Flavonoids are biologically active compounds that belong to the class of polyphenols and are found in various parts of plants. They play a significant role in biological processes in the body, helping to strengthen the immune system and enhancing the body’s response to allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. Research shows that flavonoids exhibit greater antioxidant activity than vitamins C and E, as well as carotenoids. Plant materials rich in flavonoids are valuable for their applications as natural dyes, food antioxidants, and tannins. Some flavonoids also possess antibacterial properties. Quercetin, an important flavonoid, is known for its anti- inflammatory, antihistamine, antispasmodic, antioxidant, and diuretic effects. Rutin and quercetin, components of vitamin R, are used to reduce the permeability and fragility of capillaries, improve the quality of red blood cells, and prevent blood clotting. Tabe 4. The total amount of flavonoids present in corn silk. Extractant Product- Extractant Ratio Fineness, mm Extraction time, min Amount of flavonoids Ethanol 30% 1:5 1,0 30 0,0500 1:5 1,0 60 0,0699 1:5 1,0 90 0,0951 Ethanol 45% 1:5 1,0 30 0,1158 1:5 1,0 60 0,1355 1:5 1,0 90 0,1735 Ethanol 96% 1:5 1,0 30 0,1975 1:5 1,0 60 0,3161 1:5 1,0 90 0,2543 Table 5. Metrological characteristics of determining the amount of flavonoids in corn silk Ethanol % t, time n X S2 S P, % T(p,f) ΔХ Е, % https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume03Issue03-01 https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?q= https://www.mendeley.com/search/?page=1&query= Volume 04 Issue 10-2024 42 American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation (ISSN – 2771-2753) VOLUME 04 ISSUE 10 PAGES: 36-44 OCLC – 1121105677 Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services Servi 30 30 12 0,0500 0,03 0,1732 95 2,18 0,109 3.4673 30 60 12 0,0699 0,042 0,2049 95 2,18 0,129 2.9304 30 90 12 0,0951 0,0571 0,2389 95 2,18 0,1504 2.5135 45 30 12 0,1158 0,06954545 0,2637 95 2,18 0,166 2.2773 45 60 12 0,1355 0,0814 0,2852 95 2,18 0,1795 2.1054 45 90 12 0,1735 0,1042 0,3228 95 2,18 0,2031 1.8606 80 30 12 0,1975 0,1186 0,3444 95 2,18 0,216757825 1,7436 80 60 12 0,3161 0,1898 0,4357 95 2,18 0,27417937 1,3784 80 90 12 0,2543 0,1527 0,3908 95 2,18 0,2459 1,5367 Research indicates that the aqueous extract of corn silk has significant antioxidant properties, according to various scientific sources. In light of this, a study was conducted to assess the antioxidant activity of this extract in vitro. There are several methods for determining antioxidant activity. One such method is based on the observation that adrenaline can inhibit auto oxidation reactions in vitro, thereby preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The antioxidant activity of the examined extract is measured by the percentage of active oxygen species formed and the autoxidation of adrenaline (AA%). Here, Optical density of adrenaline hydrochloride solution added to D1-buffer; Optical density of aqueous extract and adrenaline hydrochloride added to D2- buffer. https://doi.org/10.37547/ajbspi/Volume03Issue03-01 https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?q= https://www.mendeley.com/search/?page=1&query= Volume 04 Issue 10-2024 43 American Journal Of Biomedical Science & Pharmaceutical Innovation (ISSN – 2771-2753) VOLUME 04 ISSUE 10 PAGES: 36-44 OCLC – 1121105677 Publisher: Oscar Publishing Services Servi Figure 2. Antioxidant activity of corn silkaqueous extract Antioxidant activity was determined by phytochemical tests of corn silk aqueous extract and evaluated using several methods. The aqueous extract was found to be 19.44% at 200 mg/ml. CONCLUSION When assessing the content of flavonoids and β- carotenoids in corn silk using a spectrophotometric method, it was determined that 100 grams of the product contains 0.28 mg of β-carotenoids and a total flavonoid content of 0.3161 grams. The antioxidant activity of the corn silk aqueous extract was evaluated through various phytochemical assays. Results showed that the extract inhibited the active form of oxygen by 19.44% at a concentration of 200 mg/ml. REFERENCES 1. Е.Б. Никифорова, Н.М. Бат, Н.А. Давитавян Современное состояние исследований в области химического состава и фармакологического действия кукурузы столбиков с рыльцами Фармация и фармакология Том 10, Выпуск 1, 2022 DOI: 10.19163/2307-9266-2022-10-1-4-18. 2. И.Р.Асқаров., Ю.Т.Исаев., С.А.Рустамов., М.А.Ғуломова Маккажўри попуги (Zea mays l) таркибидаги β- каротиноид миқдорини аниқлаш Bioorganik kimyo fani muammolari. x Respublika yosh kimyogarlar konferensiyasi materiallari. 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