Effect of curcumin analogues on oxidation of haemoglobin and lysis of erythrocytes

Abstract

A number of ring-substituted analogues of curcumin were studied for their ability to prevent nitrite-induced oxidation of haemoglobin and lysis of erythrocytes. Phenolic analogues were more active than their non-phenolic counterparts. Many of the active compounds were more potent than standard antioxidants such as tocopherol and trolox. Tetrahydrocurcumin showed higher activity than curcumin, suggesting that unsaturation in the central portion of curcumin may not be important for activity.