Flavonoids and chlorogenic acid from Eriobotrya japonica scavenge peroxynitrite

Peroxynitrite is a cytotoxic intermediate produced by the reaction between the superoxide anion radical and nitric oxide. Flavonoids (afzelin, quercitrin and quercetin 3-O-sambubioside), and chlorogenic acid and its methyl ester obtained from leaves of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) have recently been shown to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and to inhibit lipid peroxidation in mouse liver homogenate. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effects of the above components on peroxynitrite produced stimulated by 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) to produce superoxide anion radical and nitric oxide at the same time. In addition, the present study tests whether or not the components directly scavenge peroxynitrite itself. The results showed that the components with the aromatic ortho-dihydroxyl groups (catechol) were more potent inhibitors of peroxynitrite formation by SIN-1. In particular, the methyl ester form of chlorogenic acid showed the most potent inhibition. At $5\;{\mu}M$ concentration, the order of minimizing peroxynitrite formation were : methyl chlorogenic acid > quercitrin > quercetin 3-O-sambubioside > chlorogenic acid > afzelin. Authentic peroxynitrite was directly scavenged by the components in a manner similar to peroxynitrite formation by SIN-1. In particular, when compared with penicillamine as a positive control, methyl chlorogenate was as effective in inhibiting peroxynitrite formation and approximately 2 times more effective in scavenging an authentic peroxynitrite. These results demonstrate therefore, that components extracted from the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica effectively scavenged peroxynitrite.