Dpph Method

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

The use of the stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) for estimating antioxidant activity
Philip Molyneux

Abstract
Molyneux, P.

The use of the stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) for estimating antioxidant activity
Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol., 2004, 26(2) : 211-219
The use of the stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to estimate the activity of antioxidants is reviewed. Current applications of the method are examined, particularly the use of the parameter EC50 (substrate concentration to produce 50% reduction of the DPPH). Some recommendations are made as to the most suitable ways of carrying out this assay and evaluating the data produced.

Key words : DPPH, diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, free radical, antioxidant activity
Ph.D.(Polymer Chemistry), Macrophile Associates, 9 Brewery Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2LJ, U.K. E-mail: [e-mail] Received, 8 June 2003 Accepted, 15 December 2003

Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Vol. 26 No. 2 Mar.-Apr. 2004

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Use of DPPH to estimate antioxidant activity Molyneux, P.

There is an increasing interest in antioxidants, particularly in those intended to prevent the presumed deleterious effects of free radicals in the human body, and to prevent the deterioration of fats and other constituents of foodstuffs. In both cases, there is a preference for antioxidants from natural rather than from synthetic sources (Abdalla and Roozen, 1999). There is therefore a parallel increase in the use of methods for estimating the efficiency of such substances as antioxidants ′ (S a nchez-Moreno, 2002; Schwarz, et al., 2001). One such method that is currently popular is based upon the use of the stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The purpose of this paper is to examine the basis of this method, and to further examine the use of the parameter “EC50” (equivalent concentration to give 50% effect) which is currently used in the interpretation

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