INHIBITION OF LIPOXYGENASE-MEDIATED LIPID-PEROXIDATION BY EUGENOL IN A LIPOSOMAL SYSTEM

The effect of eugenol on lipoxygenase-catalyzed lipid peroxidation was studied in aqueous solution and in microsomal lipid liposomes. Eugeno l did not inhibit lipoxygenase-catalyzed linoleic acid hydroperoxide f ormation in aqueous medium as assessed by oxygen uptake and linoleic a cid hydroperoxide formation. However, using the same criteria and form ation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, we found that eugeno l inhibited lipid oxygenation when the reaction was carried out in lin oleic acid-containing liposomes. These results suggest that the peroxy l and carbon-centered radical intermediates generated by lipoxygenase in a membrane environment are readily accessible to eugenol for quench ing and concomitant inhibition of lipid peroxidation.