(+)-Cyanidanol-3 prevents the functional deterioration of rat liver mitochondria induced by Fe2+ ions.

The clinically effective hepatoprotective flavonoid, (+)-Cyanidanol-3, prevented the Fe2+-induced functional deterioration of rat liver mitochondria. Fe2+ treatment of mitochondria resulted in increased lipid peroxidation (MDA-formation), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, impaired Ca2+ uptake capacity and caused large amplitude swelling of mitochondria. All of the consequences of Fe2+ treatment were inhibited by (+)-Cyanidanol-3 in a concentration dependent manner. The mitochondrial protective action of the drug is comparable with its free radical scavenging property.