Qualitative phytochemical analyses of eight species from the genus Galium (G. corrudifolium, G. cruciata, G. divaricatum, G. lucidum, G. mollugo, G. palustre, G. parisiense, and G. verum), followed by spectrophotometric evaluation of their total phenolic, flavonoid and iridoid content, as well as antiradical capacity, were conducted. G. cruciata contained the greatest amount of total phenolics (111.00 mg gallic acid equivalents g.sup.-1 dry extract), while G. verum had the greatest amount of flavonoids (23.11 mg quercetin equivalents g.sup.-1 dry extract) and iridoids (461.30 mg aucubin equivalents g.sup.-1 dry extract). The best antioxidant (antiradical) activity was shown by G. cruciata (IC.sub.50 (ABTS) = 30.30 microg mL.sup.-1; IC.sub.50 (DPPH) = 27.62 microg mL.sup.-1), followed by G. divaricatum, G. verum and G. palustre.The same species were rich in various bioactive constituents and would be appropriate for inclusion in further investigations considering their biomedical potential. Keywords: Galium, phytochemical screening, secondary metabolites, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity.