Radiolysis study of genistein in methanolic solution

The aim of the present work was to identify products obtained from genistein by ionizing radiation and to enhance the antioxidant properties of genistein through radiation-induced transformation. Genistein dissolved in methanol was irradiated gamma-rays at a dose of 100 kGy. NMR and (HR) EI-MS spectroscopy were used to identify radiolysis products (GM1 and GM2). We proposed that (CH2OH)-C-center dot may be implicated in the formation GM1 and GM2 during radiolysis of genistein in methanol. The genistein in methanol solution showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity after gamma-irradiation. Then, the antioxidant activities of radiolysis products were evaluated and compared to those of genistein. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.