The antioxidant effect of Fructus Momordicae extract, FME (mogrosides 75 approximately 80%), was studied. FME reduced the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and scavenged superoxide radicals (O2-) generated by a hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase system.It also scavenged hydroxyl radicals (.OH) generated by Fenton reaction. In addition, FME inhibited Fe(II) induced lipid peroxidation in rat cortex homogenates in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by decreased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) formation. Oral administration of FME inhibited TBARS and malonaldehyde (MDA) formation in the ipsilateral cortex 30 min after iron-salt injection into the left cortex of rat. FME showed inhibitory effect on 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (4-HNE) formation induced by Fe(III) injection into the rat cortex.
These data suggest that Fructus Momordicae extract has an antioxidant activity against free radicals and lipid peroxidation.
Further reading ...
15. Food and free radicals: proceedings of the first symposium, Yamagata, 16 June, 1994
Hiramatsu M., Yoshikawa T., Inoue M.
New York Plenum Press 1997 169 pp
The book describes the molecular mechanisms by which reactive oxygen species deteriorate various types of disease (including rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, ischemia/reperfusion injury, digestive disease, cancer, neurological diseases, ageing, diabetes, and inflammation); and the structure and physiochemical properties of a wide variety of natural antioxidants involved in daily food and spices (particularly tea, Gingko bilboa, sesame seeds and lignans, spirulina (blue algae), antioxidant beverage (Beta Catechin), antioxidant biofactor, Mand, Fructus Momordicae, Japanese mushroom, marine bacteria, and plant polyphenols).20. Tea and heart disease.
Walsh G.P. Lancet
1997 349 (9053), 735 (5 ref.)
Green tea as consumed in China has been shown to contain polyphenol antioxidants that have an equivalent effect to vitamin E in vitro. The author points out that black tea, as drunk in Europe, also has an antioxidant effect. Trials on the effect of the antioxidant vitamin E in atherosclerotic patients indicated a marked reduction in the number of heart attacks, and a recently reported trial in elderly men in Holland given flavonols also had a beneficial effect. Handbook of antioxidants. Cadenas E., Packer L. New York Marcel Dekker 1996 602pp Many studies have found that antioxidants can decrease the risk of diseases associated with oxidative stress (e.g. heart disease and cancer). Up to date information on the chemical, biochemical and biological properties and clinical aspects of antioxidants: (1) vitamin E, (2) ascorbic acid (3) coenzyme Q, (4) uric acid, (5) carotenoids, (6) vitamin A, (7) flavonoids and polyphenols, (8) herbal antioxidants (tea and Ginkgo bilboa extract), (9) melatonin and aminoindoles, and (10) alpha-lipoic acid, is provided. Where known, the functions and mechanisms of antioxidative activity, and the therapeutic applications of these antioxidants are discussed. In vitro and in vivo evidence to support the beneficial health claims of these antioxidants are presented.
Extracted from http://greatbritishtea.com/teaandhealth.htm
Another reading if you wish ... http://www.chemie.de/lexikon/e/Siratitia_grosvenorii/
