Membrane stabilization and inhibition of lipid peroxidation by anti-inflammatory indoles.

Nine 2-aryl-3-[4-(substituted phenyl)-3-thiosemicarbazone] indoles were evaluated for their ability to protect the human erythrocyte membrane against hypo-osmotic hemolysis and inhibit lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate in vitro. All compounds caused membrane stabilization and inhibition of lipid peroxidation when tested at final concentrations of 5 X 10(-4) and 2.5 X 10(-5) mol/l, respectively. These biochemical effects were not related to the anti-inflammatory property exhibited by the compounds.