Water Soluble Proteinous Substances as Free Radical-Scavengers in Fish

Abstract

The role of high molecular weight compounds in the radical-scavenging activity of horse mackerel muscle was evaluated. After denaturation by boiling or by adding TCA solution, 30% of the total activity remained in the water extract. Fractions containing high molecular weight compounds showed both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and peroxy radical-scavenging activity. These results indicate that water-soluble protein in fish muscle is responsible for the radical-scavenging activity.