Unraveling the Antioxidant Potential of Tectochrysin: A Quantum Chemical Approach to Radical Scavenging Mechanisms
Abstract
In this study, we conducted a comprehensive quantum chemical investigation to elucidate the antioxidant mechanisms of tectochrysin via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single-electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) pathways. All calculations were performed at the BMK/6-311+G(d,p) level in both gas and aqueous phases, complemented by intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) and transition state analyses. The HAT mechanism with hydroxyl radicals was determined to be both thermodynamically (ΔG = –18.13 kcal/mol) and kinetically (ΔG# = 14.93 kcal/mol) favorable, with a reaction rate nearing diffusion control (k = 6.17 × 10¹² dm³/mol·s). SPLET became dominant in polar media, supported by a significantly stabilized anionic form. Conversely, SET-PT and NO-radical pathways were found to be mechanistically irrelevant. Molecular docking simulations revealed a favorable binding affinity of tectochrysin to oxidative stress-related proteins, mediated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. This integrated study provides valuable mechanistic insights into tectochrysin's antioxidant potential and highlights its pharmacological promise as a multi-pathway ROS scavenger.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Physical Organic Chemistry
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
December 30, 2025
Submission Date
July 2, 2025
Acceptance Date
October 6, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 1970 Volume: 46 Number: 4