[Effects of glycyrrhiza flavonoid on lipid peroxidation and active oxygen radicals]

The antiperoxidant activity of glycyrrhiza flavonoid (FG) was studied by using colorimetric estimation of lipid peroxide (MDA) formation. The scavenging effects of FG on O2-. and OH. was investigated by using chemiluminescence method and spin trapping technique in different systems. The results were as follows: FG 2.8-25 micrograms/ml effectively inhibited MDA formation induced by incubating mice liver homogenate at 37 degrees C for 1 h; FG 0.265-26.5 micrograms/ml or 2.58-258 micrograms/ml was shown to markedly scavenge O2-. in alkaline/DMSO or xanthine/xanthine oxidase systems, respectively in a concentration-dependent manner. FG 144 micrograms/ml or 258 micrograms/ml also significantly scavenged the active oxygen radicals produced by PMN stimulation with PMA or OH. produced in Fenton's reaction respectively. The results suggest that FG may be used as an antioxidant.