Abstract

The in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of a stem bark aqueous extract of mango tree (Mangifera indica L.), whose formulations are used in Cuba as food supplements under the brand name of Vimang (R), were studied. Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence was used to elucidate the effect of this extract on the generation of reactive oxygen species in PMA- or zymosan-stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and on superoxide radicals generated in the hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase reaction. Chemiluminescence was reduced in a dose-dependent manner at extract concentrations from 5 to 100 mu g/ml, most probably by inhibiting the superoxide generation reaction. Part of this M. indica extract antioxidant activity could be ascribed to the presence of mangiferin as its main component. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.