Free radical scavenging activity of curcuminoids.

Three natural curcuminoids (curcumin (CAS 458-37-7), demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin) and acetylcurcumin were compared for their ability to scavenge superoxide radicals and to interact with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) stable free radicals. The results showed that curcumin is the most potent scavenger of superoxide radicals followed by demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Acetylcurcumin was inactive. Interaction with DPPH showed a similar activity profile. The study indicates that the phenolic group is essential for the free radical scavenging activity and presence of methoxy group further increases the activity.