Antioxidant activity of beta-carboline derivatives.

The investigated beta-carboline derivatives were synthesized to elucidate their activity as 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor ligands. Compounds containing a carboline ring system belong to a large family of biological active indoles, which are very important for the function of the central nervous system. The research was carried out to determine antioxidative or oxidative properties of these derivatives. Analysis of antioxidative capacity as indication of oxidative stress was based on ability to scavenge free radicals by DPPH (free radical scavenging activity test) and FRAP test. The results were compared to those of standard substances like vitamin C, trolox, quercetin and curcumin. The research of derivatives of beta-carboline shows antioxidative activity comparable to vitamin C. Compounds 1, 5 and 6, but only in low concentration, have antioxidative activity. Substance 10 was classified as that with prooxidative activity.