Quenching effects of anthraquinones on the extra-weak chemiluminescence (CL) derived from lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates were investigated. Such anthraquinone derivatives as emodin, rhein, and alizarin quenched the CL, while anthraquinone did not quench the CL. A linear relationship between CL-quenching activity and inhibitory rate of malondialdehyde production of various compounds was demonstrated. This technique is useful for the screening method of antioxidants.
