Natural flavor compounds,
4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) and
4-hydroxy-2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (HEMF), were evaluated
for antioxidative behaviors against
lipid peroxidations. They inhibited hydroperoxidation of methyl
linoleate initiated by a lipid-soluble
azo compound, 2,2‘-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN), in
solution. The antioxidative
activities of HDMF and HEMF were less than that of ascorbic acid when
the emulsified methyl
linoleate oxidized by a water-soluble azo compound,
2,2‘-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride,
while they were more effective than ascorbic acid when lipid
peroxidation was initiated by a lipid-soluble AMVN. These furanones were also more effective than
ascorbic acid in the inhibition of
the formation of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides in plasma. HEMF
suppressed the oxidation of
low-density lipoprotein without any synergistic effect with
α-tocopherol. In the autoxidation of rat
brain homogenate, HDMF and HEMF acted as inhibitors, while ascorbic
acid acted as a prooxidant.
These results indicate that HDMF and HEMF are potent antioxidants
so that they would be
important components not only in exhibiting desirable flavor but also
in inhibiting oxidative
deterioration in foods.
Keywords: 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone; 4-hydroxy-2(or
5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone; antioxidant; lipid peroxidation; flavor
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