Free radical reactions of a naturally occurring flavone baicalein and possible mechanisms towards its membrane protective properties.

Baicalein (5, 6, 7-trihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), a naturally occurring flavone present in some of the medicinal plants is known for its potential therapeutic effects, such as cardioprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, detailed role and mechanisms behind its protective properties against different generators for oxidative stress have not been examined. In the present study, we investigated the possible protective ability of baicalein against the membrane damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and the mechanisms involved using pulse radiolysis technique.

A study of antioxidant properties of some varieties of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.).

Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are a major fruit crop in the world. Grapes seem to confer health benefits due to their antioxidant activity.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) as a function of growth under different conditions.

The antioxidant activity of wheatgrass, which is consumed as a dietary supplement, was estimated at different levels. The methods employed include FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), ABTS (2,2'-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of wheatgrass grown under different conditions over a period of 6, 7, 8, 10 and 15 days were used.

A modified, economic, sensitive method for measuring total antioxidant capacities of human plasma and natural compounds using Indian saffron (Crocus sativus).

Background: Free radicals are involved in various human diseases that can possibly be prevented by antioxidants. There are many but rather expensive methods to determine total antioxidant capacity of human plasma (for endogenous antioxidant levels) or plant extracts/natural compounds (for antioxidant potential in terms of radical inhibiting or scavenging properties). We describe a simple, fast and economical 'crocin assay' using the Indian spice saffron.

Antioxidant availability of turmeric in relation to its medicinal and culinary uses.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in Indian cooking, and in herbal remedies. Its possible mechanism of action was examined in terms of antioxidant availability during actual cooking conditions and in therapeutic applications using standardized extracts. The assays involve different levels of antioxidant action such as oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), radical scavenging abilities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and protection of membranes examined by inhibition of lipid peroxidation besides the content of phenols and total flavonoids.

Antioxidant properties of Plumbago zeylanica, an Indian medicinal plant and its active ingredient, plumbagin.

Plumbago zeylanica (known as "Chitrak") is a useful Indian medicinal plant. The root of the plant and its constituents are credited with potential therapeutic properties including anti-atherogenic, cardiotonic, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective properties. To examine possible mechanisms of action of P.