Abstract:

To provide theoretical evidences for developing novel natural antioxidants, eucommin and high-purity chlorogenic acid were assessed for their antioxidant effects by hydroxyl, superoxide anion and DPPH free radical assays with vitamin C as a positive control. Curves of free radical scavenging ratio versus concentration were plotted for each of these three compounds. As a result, eucommin had different scavenging effects against different radicals and the best ability to scavenge superoxide anion radicals, followed by DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, with corresponding maximum scavenging ratios of 95.85%, 75.31% and 31.10%. Therefore, eucommin is a potential strong antioxidant.

Key words: eucommin, chlorogenic acid, vitamin C, free radical, antioxidant activity