Curcuminoids as potent inhibitors of lipid peroxidation

J Pharm Pharmacol. 1994 Dec;46(12):1013-6. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1994.tb03258.x.

Abstract

Earlier studies showed that curcumin is a potent inhibitor iron-catalysed lipid peroxidation. Demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and acetylcurcumin were tested for their ability to inhibit iron-stimulated lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate and rat liver microsomes. Comparison of the results with curcumin showed that all compounds are equally active, and more potent than alpha-tocopherol. These results showed that the methoxy and phenolic groups contribute little to the activity. Spectral studies showed that all compounds could interact with iron. Thus, the inhibition of iron-catalysed lipid peroxidation by curcuminoids may involve chelation of iron.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Chromatography, Thin Layer
  • Curcumin / analogs & derivatives
  • Curcumin / pharmacology*
  • Iron / pharmacology
  • Iron Chelating Agents / pharmacology
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Microsomes, Liver / drug effects*
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology

Substances

  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Vitamin E
  • Iron
  • Curcumin
  • Ascorbic Acid