Introduction: Antioxidants, whether produced naturally within the body or obtained from external sources, are crucial in safeguarding health by defending cells from the damage caused by oxidative stress. Phytochemicals, naturally occurring in medicinal plants, possess significant antioxidant properties and are gaining widespread attention for their health benefits. Numerous studies have explored the antioxidant capacities of various plant species. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts from Capsicum annuum, Hypericum helianthemoides, and Dianthus orientalis Adams. Materials & Methods: The aerial parts of the plants were first dried and finely ground. Methanolic extracts were prepared by combining the plant material with methanol. The total antioxidant capacity of the extracts was then determined using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. The results were measured at a wavelength of 570 nm using an ELISA reader. Results: Our findings revealed that the methanolic extracts of Hypericum helianthemoides, Capsicum annuum, and Dianthus orientalis Adams exhibited maximum total antioxidant capacities of 2.79, 2.48, and 1.96 mmol Fe²⁺/L, respectively. Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the significant antioxidant capacities of methanolic extracts derived from Capsicum annuum, Hypericum helianthemoides, and Dianthus orientalis Adams. These plants demonstrated strong potential in reducing oxidative stress, a key factor in the prevention of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Given their substantial antioxidant activity, these plants could be further explored for development into natural therapeutic agents or incorporated into functional foods and nutraceuticals. Additionally, their incorporation into pharmaceutical formulations could provide a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants, offering fewer side effects and promoting better consumer health. Future research should focus on identifying the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these antioxidant properties and investigating their mechanisms of action in clinical settings.
