The antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities of extract and fractions from corn silk (Zea mays L.) and related flavone glycosides

► In this study, the antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities of crude ethanol extract and fractions of corn silk were systematically evaluated for the first time. ► Two flavone glycosides were isolated and identified from n-butanol fraction from corn silk, which demonstrated highest antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities. ► The antioxidant activities of the two isolated flavone glycosides were investigated for the first time and the result demonstrated that they were potent antioxidants. ► The results in this study may the possibility of using corn silk as source of low-cost natural antioxidant.