Antioxidant Activity of a Dihydroquercetin Isolated fromLarix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr. Wood

We have demonstrated that dihydroquercetin is an antioxidant and possesses the properties of protecting capillaries, which is consistent with its action as an antiinflammatory agent, gastro- and hepatoprotecting agent, and its diuretic and hypolipidaemic activity. As a capillary protector, dihydroquercetin is 3.4 times more effective at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 4.9 times at a dose of 300 mg/kg than the well known bioflavonoid, quercetin. Dihydroquercetin shows a dose dependent suppression of lipid peroxidation in the rat liver. The hypolipidaemic activity of dihydroquercetin at 250 mg/kg is comparable to that of polysponin.