Antioxidative activity of volatile extracts from Maillard model systems

Dichloromethane extracts obtained from Maillard model systems consisting of glucose and eight amino acids were examined for antioxidative activity. The extracts from all eight model systems inhibited hexanal oxidation by 100% at levels higher than 50 μg/ml over 40 days. The extracts from the model systems of glucose/asparagine, histidine, or tryptophan inhibited hexanal oxidation by 100% at the level of 10 μg/ml of extract over 40 days. Seven column chromatographic fractions from the extract of a glucose/asparagine model system inhibited hexanal oxidation by 100% at levels higher than 10 μg/ml over 40 days. The fraction eluted with ethyl acetate inhibited hexanal oxidation by 100% at the level of 2 μg/ml over 40 days. 2-Furanmethanol, which has antioxidative activity, was found at a level of 0.022 mg/ml. 2,3-Diydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (pyranone), which may abstract a hydroxyl radical, was found at a level of 7.28 mg/ml in this fraction.