Flavonoids can replace alpha-tocopherol as an antioxidant
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Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
F A van Acker1, O Schouten, G R Haenen
1Department of Medical Oncology, BR-232, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. f.vanacker@azvu.nl
Abstract:
Endogenous antioxidants such as the lipid-soluble vitamin E protect the cell membranes from oxidative damage. Glutathione seems to be able to regenerate alpha-tocopherol via a so-called free radical reductase. The transient protection by reduced glutathione (GSH) against lipid peroxidation in control liver microsomes is not observed in microsomes deficient in alpha-tocopherol. Introduction of antioxidant flavonoids, such as 7-monohydroxyethylrutoside, fisetin or naringenin, into the deficient microsomes restored the GSH-dependent protection, suggesting that flavonoids can take over the role of alpha-tocopherol as a chain-breaking antioxidant in liver microsomal membranes.
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