The essential oil obtained from the bark of
Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae) and threeof its main components, eugenol, (
E)-cinnamaldehyde, and linalool (representing 82.5% of the totalcomposition), were tested in two in vitro models of peroxynitrite-induced nitration and lipid peroxidation.The essential oil and eugenol showed very powerful activities, decreasing 3-nitrotyrosine formationwith IC
50 values of 18.4
g/mL and 46.7
M, respectively (reference compound, ascorbic acid, 71.3
g/mL and 405.0
M) and also inhibiting the peroxynitrite-induced lipid peroxidation showing an IC
50of 2.0
g/mL and 13.1
M, respectively, against 59.0
g/mL (235.5
M) of the reference compoundTrolox. On the contrary, (
E)-cinnamaldehyde and linalool were completely inactive.Keywords: Peroxynitrite; lipid peroxidation; 3-nitrotyrosine;
Cinnamomum zeylanicum; essential oil;eugenol