Planta Med 2010; 76 - WSI_2
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264206

Glucosinolates and their respective enzymatic hydrolysis products are not involved in the in vitro antioxidant properties of rocket salad species

P Maimone 1, M Taviano 1, G Paterniti Mastrazzo 1, L Buongiorno 2, A Melchini 2, A Trovato 1, N Miceli 1
  • 1Pharmaco-Biological Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Messina, Vill. Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
  • 2Foundation „Prof. Antonio Imbesi“, P.zza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy

Epidemiological and experimental studies provide some evidence that chronic diseases could be prevented by high consumption of certain vegetables [1]. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases, and may be reduced by improving physiological antioxidant defences through dietary interventions [2]. Dietary patterns rich in plant foods are the most likely to protect against oxidative stress by absorption of a wide range of naturally occurring antioxidants, that may act as synergists to reduce reactive oxygen species levels [3]. Cruciferous vegetables are widely studied for their health benefits due partly to the high content of antioxidants, like vitamin E and C, carotenoids, polyphenols, as well as characteristic phytochemicals, known as glucosinolates (GLSs). The role of GLSs and their enzymatic hydrolysis products, namely isothiocyanates (ITCs), as natural antioxidants is debated [4–6]. In this study, the antioxidant properties of bioactive compounds obtained from Eruca sativa Mill. were investigated using in vitro systems. The primary antioxidant properties by DPPH test and reducing power assay, and the secondary antioxidant ability by ferrous ion (Fe2+) chelating activity were evaluated. The plant extract showed a significant primary antioxidant activity in both DPPH test and reducing power assay, and a strong Fe2+ chelating ability. However, neither GLS fraction nor respective pure ITCs had antioxidant effects using the same experimental methods at all doses tested. The results suggest that these phytochemicals are unlikely to account for the direct antioxidant effects of Eruca sativa extract.

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