Antioxidant effects of Chinese traditional medicine: focus on trilinolein isolated from the Chinese herb sanchi (Panax pseudoginseng).

It is thought that oxygen-derived free radicals (OFR) cause lipid peroxidation, which contributes to the process of atherosclerosis, and they are also involved in the myocardial damage seen with ischemia and reperfusion. Antioxidants could potentially ameliorate such harmful effects. Many natural plant products have been shown to have antioxidant effects. Trilinolein, a triacylglycerol purified from Panax pseudoginseng, which is commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine, has been found to have pharmacological effects, including antioxidant activity that may explain the benefits in treating circulatory disorders perceived from the use of the herb over the centuries.