ACTIVE OXYGEN SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF PLANT-EXTRACTS

To find antioxidative compounds present in plants, 65 types of plant e xtract were tested using the neotetrazolium method for evidence of sup eroxide anion-scavenging effects and 7 plant extracts were selected fo r further investigation. The activity of active-oxygen scavengers such as superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygens and lipid peroxides in the 7 plant extracts (Aseclus hippocastanum L., Ham amelis virginiana L. Polygonum cuspidatum SIEB., Quercus robur L., Ros emarinous officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L. and Sanguisorba offici nalis L.) was examined in detail by both ESR spin-trapping and malondi aldehyde generation. Furthermore, the active-oxygen scavenging activit y of these plant extracts was evaluated using a murine dermal fibrobla st culture system. Both Aeseclus hippocastanum L. and Hamamelis virgin iana L. were found to have strong active-oxygen scavenging activity of and protective activity against cell damage induced by active oxygen. Both Aeseclus hippocastanum L. and Hamamelis virginiana L. are propos ed as potent plant extracts with potential application as anti-aging o r anti-wrinkle material for the skin.