Phenolics from Litchi chinensis Sonn. and Their Potential Antioxidant Effects

Aims: To research phenolics from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn. and estimate their antioxidant activities.

Study Design: Phenolics were isolated and determined from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn. Their effects on DPPH radical scavenging were investigated.

Place and Duration of Study: School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, between September 2015 and March 2018.

Methodology: Phenolics were obtained by Silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS as well as HPLC chromatography and characterized by 1D and 2D NMR. The antioxidant abilities of the isolated compounds were measured by the DPPH assay.

Results: Fifteen Phenolics were isolated and confirmed from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn (1–15), compounds protocatechuic acid (1), ethyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (4), methyl p-hydroxymandelate (7), ethyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (9) exhibited antioxidant capacities on DPPH radical scavenging.

Conclusion: This study suggests that phenolics from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn. showed potential antioxidant properties, which mean that lychee seed could be utilized as a natural antioxidant for health care.