Antioxidant active compounds from elaeocarpussylvestris and their relationship between structure and activity

Three antioxidant active compounds from methanolic extract of Elaeocarpussylvestris leaves are isolated by column chromatography and preparative TLC. Based on instrumental analysis, the compounds are identified as ellagic acid (1), gallic acid (2), and methyl gallate (3). The compounds have good antioxidant activity on scavenging DPPH radicals, reducing power and beta-carotene bleaching assays. Further analysis of relationship between structures and activity of isolated compounds and fourteen benzoic acid derivatives are also investigated. The result shows that number and position of phenolic hydroxyl groups are important for antioxidant activity, particularly in ortho and para position. This study suggests that methanolic extract of E. sylvestris is potential as a natural antioxidant source. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.