Study on the Components of Luobuma with Peroxynitrite-Scavenging Activity

Abstract

The origin of the antioxidant activity of Luobuma aqueous extract was examined by measuring the peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻)-eliminating activities of fractions of this extract obtained by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Three of the four fractions obtained, i.e., those excluding the H₂O-eluted fraction, were found to possess ONOO⁻-eliminating activity. These three fractions were combined and fractionated again by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, which yielded five fractions. Seven different compounds were isolated from two of these five fractions with high activity. Epigallocatechin-(4β-8)-epicatechin showed the highest ONOO⁻-eliminating activity.