Cytotoxicity and Lipid Peroxidation-Inhibiting Activity of Flavonoids

Abstract

Thirty-five flavonoids of seven different types, namely isoflavonoids, chalcones, dihydroflavonols, flavanols, flavanones, flavones, and flavonols were investigated for their ability to inhibit ascorbate-induced microsomal lipid peroxidation and their cytotoxicity. For each activity a structure-activity relationship was established. Subsequently, an antioxidant selectivity index, i. e., the maximal non-toxic dose divided by the IC₅₀ value for lipid peroxidation, was introduced. Kaempferol showed the highest antioxidant selectivity index of all flavonoids tested.

Key words

Flavonoids - lipid peroxidation - cytotoxicity - MTT - structure-activity relationship

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