Radical Chain Oxidation of Methyl Oleate as a Model System for Studying the Activity and Concentration of Antioxidants in Evening Primrose Oil and Borage Seed Oil

A model reaction of radical chain oxidation of methyl oleate was used to study natural compounds for antioxidant activity. Secondary peroxyl radicals were generated by controlled initiated lipid oxidation. The system was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of natural oils obtained by extracting crushed seeds of the medicinal plants evening primrose and borage. The effective rate constant of methyl oleate peroxyl radicals with inhibitors contained in the oils was measured. The concentration of antioxidants was found and the qualitative composition of the antioxidants was suggested.