Study on the structure–activity of dihydromyricetin and its new production

Myricetin (MY) was firstly synthesized from dihydromyricetin (DMY), and its antioxidant activity was analyzed. FTIR, NMR, and TG measurements confirmed that the DMY turned to MY. Scanning electron microscope observation showed that the 2,3-single bond offered great flexibility on the stage of crystallization to form imperfect crystalline regions; hence, DMY tends to form larger columnar crystals than MY. It has been found that the antioxidative efficiency of DMY was superior to MY, based on the measurement of radical scavenging activity by DPPH and the oxidation induction time of PP-antioxidant samples. The 2,3-double bond in MY structure, known as one of the characteristic determinants, was not an important requirement for antioxidant capacity or even negative correlation observed. Such a deduction was further supported by UV–Vis absorption spectra change when the pH was raised to pH 9. It was concluded that the ortho-trihydroxyl group in the B ring provides an antioxidant defense, and the 2,3-single band of C ring provides the structural stability.