Rosmarinic acid and its esters inhibit membrane cholesterol domain formation through an antioxidant mechanism based, in nonlinear fashion, on alkyl chain length

ConclusionThese data indicate that the membrane antioxidant and cholesterol domain inhibition activities of rosmarinic acid esters are dependent, nonlinearly, on alkyl chain length. The mechanism for this effect is attributed to the influence of alkyl chain length on the optimal depth of the polyphenols into the lipid bilayer for trapping free radicals.General significanceThese findings provide insight into novel atheroprotective benefits of polyphenol esters that are dependent on their membrane location.Graphical abstract
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Biomembranes - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research