Inhibition of low density lipoprotein oxidation by tetrahydrofurofuran lignans from Forsythia suspensa and Magnolia coco

Based on the inhibition of Cu2+-induced LDL oxidation as marker, the major antioxidants in the fruits Of Forsythia suspense and the stems of Magnolia coco were identified. Of these bioactive tetrahydrofurofuran lignans, pinoresinol, phillygenin, and syringaresinol were more potent than probucol. Sesamin and fargesin, which do not contain phenol groups, were found much less active.