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Antioxidant activity of capsinoids
Antonella Rosa1, Monica Deiana, Viviana Casu
1Dipartimento Biologia Sperimentale, Sezione Patologia Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy. anrosa@unica.it
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Capsinoids, found in hot peppers, demonstrate significant antioxidant activity, protecting against free radical damage in various systems. These compounds and their synthetic mimics offer potential as beneficial antioxidants.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hot peppers are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids.
- They also contain capsaicinoids, such as capsaicin, known for their pungent properties.
- Capsinoids, benign analogues of capsaicin, possess antioxidant capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antioxidant activity of capsinoids and their synthetic analogues.
- To evaluate the protective effects of these compounds against lipid peroxidation.
- To assess the cytotoxic and pro-oxidant/antioxidant potential of capsinoid mimics.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays using linoleic acid to test autoxidation and metal-mediated oxidation.
- Evaluation of synthetic analogues like vanillyl nonanoate.
- Cell culture studies to assess cytotoxicity and inhibition of iron-induced oxidation.
Main Results:
- Capsinoids and their synthetic analogues exhibited significant antioxidant activity.
- These compounds effectively protected linoleic acid from free radical attack.
- No pro-oxidant activity was observed; vanillyl nonanoate showed protective effects in cell cultures.
Conclusions:
- Capsinoids represent a class of potent antioxidants with potential health benefits.
- Synthetic capsinoid mimics may serve as valuable antioxidants in various applications.
- Further research into capsinoids could lead to novel antioxidant therapies or food additives.