Novel chemiluminescence-inducing cocktails, part II: measurement of the anti-oxidant capacity of vitamins, thiols, body fluids, alcoholic beverages and edible oils.

Using two luminescence-inducing cocktails, two distinct patterns of inhibition of light by different anti-oxidants have been identified, comprising Group A, in which a complete inhibition of light emission which is then followed by re-emergence of light, forming apparent S-shaped curves or similar shapes. This light pattern is induced by the "classical" anti-oxidants, ascorbate, vitamin E, uric acid, thiols, deferoxamine, as well as by anti-oxidant agents present in plasma, saliva, urine and in extracts derived from black coffee, and Group B, in which a gradually emerging "mound"-shaped pattern of light was seen with extracts from the Tibetan plant mixture PADMA-28, elderberry (Sambucol), grape seeds, green and black teas, apple, parsimony, red wines, edible oils and SOD. While the results with the Group A agents point to the presence of probably a single, major, anti-oxidants relatively sensitive to oxidation, Group B agents probably include a mixture of anti-oxidants which are more resistant to oxidation. It was also shown that agents from Group B could protect agents from Group A against consumption by the oxidants generated by the cocktails. It is proposed that these simple to use cocktails which probably generate a multiplicity of oxidants mimicking those generated by activated phagocytes, can rapidly assess the total anti-oxidant capacities (TAOC) in body fluids derived from patients suffering of excessive oxidative stress. Also, this technique may be useful in determining the content of dietary anti-oxidants recommended as supplements to enhance the resistance against excessive oxidation of lipids.