Ionol (BHT) produces superoxide anion
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Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Radical Anion by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy from Cells using Spin Traps
Published on: August 18, 2012
E G Smirnova1, Yu I Lyubimov, T G Malinina
1Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Moscow, 127550, Russia.
Abstract:
In aqueous medium etiolated wheat seedlings release superoxide anion (O2*-). Interaction of a synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, ionol), with oxygen in the aqueous medium is accompanied by O2*- formation. This suggests that under certain conditions BHT behaves as a prooxidant. A natural antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and also a wound healing preparation, emulsified denatured placenta (EDP), do not exhibit the prooxidant properties. In contrast to BHT, they reduce O2*- production by the etiolated wheat seedling system.
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