Superoxide Scavenging by Natural Antioxidants studied using Cyclic Voltammetry

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide radical, are a very important area of study due to their complex involvement in cells. Among these functions is helping to generate ATP in the mitochondria, which is the main process for cells to store energy. However, in ageing, 1–2% release of ROS from the mitochondria can attack cell organelles, DNA/RNA and proteins, thus causing degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, etc. We use cyclic voltammetry (CV), to generate the superoxide radical by reducing oxygen in DMSO solution. CV is an ideal technique as the superoxide radical is short‐lived and it is a quick method. Subsequent addition of antioxidants decreases the superoxide levels and we measure their intrinsic scavenging effects. Flavones are antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables and in our experiments; we used four flavones as scavengers, quercetin, baicalein, morin, and chrysin. These differ only in the position and number of OH groups. Using this method, we were able to establish quantitatively which flavone is a better antioxidant. Supported by HHMI 52006322.