Amino acids with basic amino side chain accelerate the pro-oxidant ability of polyphenolic compounds

► Amino acids with basic amino side-chain play an important role in acceleration of pro-oxidant ability of polyphenols. ► EGCG produces superoxide anions and hydroquinone produces hydrogen peroxide molecules in the presence of arginine/lysine. ► In the presence of both polyphenols and amino acids (arginine or lysine) can elevate oxidative stress in vitro.