ISHS Acta Horticulturae 381: International Symposium on Natural Phenols in Plant Resistance
A RESEARCH MODEL ON FLAVONOIDS AS PHOTOPROTECTORS: STUDIES ON THE PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF KAEMPFEROL AND PELARGONIDIN |
| Authors: | M. Monici, P. Baglioni, N. Mulinacci, A. Baldi, F.F. Vincieri |
| Keywords: | Kaempferol, pelargonidin, UV-radiation, photoprotection, scavenger activity |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1994.381.41 |
| Abstract:
Recently the hypothesis of a protective function of the flavonoids, in higher plants against the harmful UV radiations has been suggested. Several elements support this hypothesis: flavonoids considerably absorb UV radiations; UV wavelengths seem to induce higher levels of flavonoids in plants, and some alpine and tropical species, exposed to intensive UV radiations, are very rich in flavonoids. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of kaempferol and pelargonidin as photoprotectors by analysing their photochemical behaviour and scavenger activity. The photobleaching of kaempferol and pelargonidin UV-Vis spectra has been analyzed during the exposure to different light conditions. The compounds were solubilized both in organic solvent and micellar systems. Information on the products deriving from kaempferol and pelargonidin photodegradation has been obtained analysing the samples by HPLC-DAD. Kaempferol and pelargonidin ability to quench O2-, has been evaluated by ESR spectrometry. The results obtained on the photodegradative processes, the nature of the photoproducts and the efficiency in quenching the O2-, are consistent with the photoprotective function of kaempferol and pelargonidin in plants. | |
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