Curcuminoids as Potent Inhibitors of Lipid Peroxidation

Abstract— Earlier studies showed that curcumin is a potent inhibitor of iron‐catalysed lipid peroxidation. Demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and acetylcurcumin were tested for their ability to inhibit iron‐stimulated lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate and rat liver microsomes. Comparison of the results with curcumin showed that all compounds are equally active, and more potent than α‐tocopherol. These results showed that the methoxy and phenolic groups contribute little to the activity. Spectral studies showed that all compounds could interact with iron. Thus, the inhibition of iron‐catalysed lipid peroxidation by curcuminoids may involve chelation of iron. 1994 Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain