DPPH free radical scavenger components from the fruits of Alpinia rafflesiana Wall. ex. Bak. (Zingiberaceae).

The methanol extract of the dried ripe fruits of Alpinia rafflesiana was investigated for its DPPH free radical scavenger constituents. 2',3',4',6'-Tetrahydroxychalcone (7), which has never been isolated from natural sources was found to be most active as a DPPH free radical scavenger with the IC50 value of 55 mum. Other known compounds isolated from this species include 5,6-dehydrokawain (1), flavokawin B (2), 1,7-diphenyl-5-hydroxy-6-hepten-3- one (3), (-)-pinocembrin (4), cardamonin (5) and (-)-pinostrobin (6). The DPPH free radical scavenger compounds were detected using TLC autographic analysis. The percentage inhibition of DPPH free radical scavenging activity was measured on isolates (5-7) using colorimetric analysis.