Inhibition of malonaldehyde formation from blood plasma oxidation by aromaextracts and aroma components isolated from clove and eucalyptus

The inhibitory effect of aroma extracts isolated from clove buds [Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry] and eucalyptus leaves (Eucalyptus polyanthe mos Schauer) on malonaldehyde (MA) formation from horse blood plasma oxidiz ed with Fenton's reagent was determined by gas chromatography. Aroma chemic als such as eugenol, thymol and benzyl alcohol, identified in the aroma ext racts, were examined for their inhibitory effect on the same system. Betwee n the two aroma extracts tested, clove exhibited the most potent antioxidan t activities. Extracts of eucalyptus and clove inhibited MA formation by 23 and 48%, respectively, at the level of 400 mug/ml, whereas, alpha -tocophe rol and BHT inhibited MA formation by 52 and 70%, respectively, at the same level. Eugenol, thymol and benzyl alcohol inhibited MA formation by 57, 43 and 32%, respectively, at the level of 400 mug/ml. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.