Flavan-3-ol-cysteine and acetylcysteine conjugates from edible reagents and the stems of Cynomorium songaricum as potent antioxidants.

Flavan-3-ol derivatives, including 3 cysteine conjugates and 3 acetylcysteine conjugates, were prepared using Cynomorium songaricum and edible reagents. The structures were determined, based on NMR and MS spectra. All compounds had stronger radical-scavenging activity than catechin and epicatechin.

Chemical constituents and pharmacologic actions of Cynomorium plants.

The stem of Cynomorium songaricum is a traditional Chinese medicine reputed to have tonic effects. C. coccineum growing in northern Africa and the Mediterranean region is regarded in Arabian medical practice as the "treasure of drugs".