Abstract: Objective: To investigate the antioxidant activity in vitro of total flavonoids from Actinidia arguta. Methods: The scavenging capacities of total flavonoids from Actinidia arguta against DPPH, superoxide anion and hydroxyl free radicals the ferric reducing power and the inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation were determined spectrometrically and compared with those of vitamin C. Results: Total flavonoids from Actinidia arguta revealed a strong ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals, reduce ferric ions and inhibit lipid peroxidation and had a certain scavenging effect against superoxide anion and hydroxyl free radicals in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Total flavonoids from Actinidia arguta have excellent antioxidant activity.

Key words: Actinidia arguta, flavonoids, antioxidant activity