Synthesis, characterization and free radical scavenging activity of apigenin with or without magnesium(II)

Abstract

Jinxia Li, Kenming Yu, Jianping Bai, Huizhi Zhang, Jianbin Chao

Objective: Many flavonoids are natural chelators and flavonoid-metal complexes have shown to possess significant cytotoxic activity. Apigenin (4’,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is one of the active flavonoids found naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables. In this study, a complex of apigenin with magnesium (Mg)(II) was synthesized and its radical-scavenging and antioxidant capacity was determined. Methods: The complex of apigenin with magnesium (Mg)(II) has been synthesized by reflux with stirring. It was was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in potassium bromide (KBr). Apigenin is coordinated with Mg(II) through oxygen atoms of -OH and 4-C=O groups. Kinetic studies of scavenging DPPH• free radical with apigenin and Mg(II) complex were done at room temperature. Results: The complex of apigenin with Mg(II) was more reactive than free apigenin in means of scavenging DPPH• free radical. Conclusion: Apigenin complex with Mg(II) ion may be benefit to further development as promising potential metal-based drug.