Antioxidant properties of desferrioxamine E, a cyclic trihydroxamate produced by microorganisms, were tested and compared to those of desferrioxamine B and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Desferrioxamine E exhibited significant antioxidant effects in linoleic acid emulsions as well as in emulsions of linoleic acid and β-carotene. In concentrations of 100 ppm, the effect of both desferrioxamines in linoleic acid emulsion was equal to that of BHA. The antioxidant activity of the desferrioxamines in emulsions of β-carotene and linoleic acid was significantly higher than that of BHA. In addition, the initial rate of β-carotene destruction was significantly lower when desferrioxamines were added to the emulsion. FIG. 1. Structure of desferrioxamine E (A) and B (B).