Peroxynitrite scavenging activity of lithospermate B from Salvia miltiorrhiza

Abstract

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is produced by the reaction of superoxide (O2−) with nitric oxide. ONOO− damages proteins through nitration or oxidation. For protection from ONOO− induced protein modifications, ONOO− scavengers should be supplemented. Evidence was obtained that lithospermate B extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza showed the strongest scavenging activity among its constituents. Its ONOO− scavenging activity is via an electron donation mechanism. A dihydroxyl group and a double bond seem to be essential structure requirements. The data from the experiments further confirmed a protective effect of lithospermate B on bovine serum albumin and low-density lipoprotein against ONOO−. This study demonstrated that lithospermate B with hydroxyl groups and double bonds exerts an anti-nitration effect by scavenging ONOO−.