Methods to measure the antioxidant activity in plant material. A comparative discussion

Methods to determine total antioxidant activity (TAA) are generally based o n the inhibition of certain reactions by the presence of antioxidants. The most widely used methods are those that involve the generation of radical c ompounds, and it is the presence of antioxidants that determines the disapp earance of these radicals. Strategies for measuring TAA are discussed, part icularly the different methodological and instrumental approaches used. In addition, our own methods are presented in order to facilitate and speed up the manipulation of biological material. The values of TAA by different co mpounds are presented and compared.