Protection against DNA damage and inhibition of lipid peroxidation by flavones from Eremosparton songoricum (Litv) Vass

Seven flavonoids were isolated from Eremosparton songoricum (Litv) Vass and their antioxidation actions were examined. To investigate protective ability against DNA damage induced by H₂O₂, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with 5-hydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavone,5,7-dihydroxy-3′,4′-dimethoxyflavone, acacetin, chrysoeriol, pedalitin, flavogadorinin and 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxyflavone-4′-O-D-glucoside separately and then treated by H₂O₂. The percentage of damaged cells were determined by single-cell gel electrophoresis. To examine their inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the compounds were incubated with rat microsomes and the reaction was initiated by Fe²⁺/Vc. The lipid peroxidation product thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was determined. The result showed most of flavonoids had concentration-dependent antioxdative activities. The relationship of antioxidation and the structure is discussed.