The ethanolic extracts of low-pungency mustard flour were separated on
a Sephadex LH-20 column. Three major fractions were separated accordi
ng to the UV absorbance readings at 280 nm. Antioxidant activity of th
ese fractions was evaluated in a beta-carotene-linoleate model system.
Fraction I was most effective and showed absorbance readings similar
to those of sinapic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and trihydroxy phenoli
c compounds such as flavones or flavanones. Fraction II exhibited mode
rate antioxidant activity and showed the possible presence of phenolic
acids and trihydroxy compounds. Fraction III was least effective and
did not contain any trihydroxy compounds as indicated by a thin layer
chromatography spray method.