Antioxidative activity of the tree of heaven leaves (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle)

Description

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, commonly called the tree of heaven (Simaroubaceae), is an invasive woody plant species. Originally from northern and central China, it has spread to Europe, America, Australia, and other areas, where it has become a noxious weed. In Europe, A. altissima is one of the most invasive species, harming local biodiversity . It competes with native plants, inhibits their seed germination and seedling growth, and is less susceptible to herbivorous insects. The tree of heaven leaves were used as a source for extraction, chemical characterization, and encapsulation of leaf extracts. Obtained crude leaf extract (CLE) and nano-capsulated leaf extract (ELE) were applied in different concentrations to test feeding deterrent activity, digestive and contact toxicity as well as their effect on larval behavior, namely, growth and feeding indices, and molting of the spongy moth larvae. Antioxidative activity was investigated using two commonly applied in vitro assays, that differ in their working principles, where ABTS ((2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) test served to assess free radical scavenging ability, while cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity assay (CUPRAC) was employed as an electron transfer-based test measuring the substance ability to reduce Cu2+ to Cu+. Results of the antioxidative activity was used for the explanation of the spongy moth larvae behavior.

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