Flavonoids can replace α‐tocopherol as an antioxidant

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Abstract
Endogenous antioxidants such as the lipid‐soluble vitamin E protect the cell membranes from oxidative damage. Glutathione seems to be able to regenerate α‐tocopherol via a so‐called free radical reductase. The transient protection by reduced glutathione (GSH) against lipid peroxidation in control liver microsomes is not observed in microsomes deficient in α‐tocopherol. Introduction of antioxidant flavonoids, such as 7‐monohydroxyethylrutoside, fisetin or naringenin, into the deficient microsomes restored the GSH‐dependent protection, suggesting that flavonoids can take over the role of α‐tocopherol as a chain‐breaking antioxidant in liver microsomal membranes.