A new procedure for the Antioxidant capacity dpph assessment in small samples.

The antioxidant capacity of a substance is its ability to prevent or slow down oxidation. This reaction is a transfer of electrons. The molecule catching electrons is the oxidative agent and the molecule giving electrons is the reducing agent. Oxidative stress is toxic for the cells, and it can be limited by different pathways: the inhibition of enzymes responsible of the production of oxidative species, the synthesis, activation or stabilization of antioxidant enzymes, and finally by direct scavenging of radical species. In living organisms, especially in association to the respiration process, free radicals are commonly produced. Antioxidant are naturally present to prevent damages, and t…