High Flavonoid Content of Dry Birch Leaves Makes for High Antioxidant Potential

Antioxidant Activity of Dry Birch (Betula Pendula) Leaves Extract

In Summary

Plants with high flavonoid content, including but not limited to cannabis, tend to exhibit vast health benefits, including but not limited to anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-bacterial applications.

The medicinal use of Betula Pendula, or dry birch leaves dates back as far as Ancient Greece. Birch leaf extracts exhibit anticancer, antifungal, diuretic, antimicrobial, antiflammatory properties, and more. In order to determine the antioxidant capabilities of birch leaf extract, researchers determined flavonoid content in leaves and administered extracts to rats and subsequently analyzed the antioxidant potential of the rats’ plasma. The leaves had a total flavonoid content of 42.5 milligrams per gram and short-term application of extract to rats resulted in enhanced antioxidant potential in their plasma. Chronic application was not as effective as short-term application. Overall, the high flavonoid content of dry birch leaves allows for high antioxidant potential, as well as a range of other health benefits.