Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of a series of 4-methylcoumarins using different testing methods

Abstract Continuing our research on oxidation reactions of 4-methylcoumarins (4-methyl-2 H -1-benzopyran-2-ones), this study presents evaluation of the antioxidant activity of 23 4-methylcoumarin derivatives, using different spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric radical testing methods. All studied compounds showed activity comparable to Trolox, an already known antioxidant, which is used as a standard in most testing methods. Observations from the study were made with regard to structural features that regulated the behaviour of the compounds. This paper extends our knowledge of the range of valuable biological activities and possible roles in medicinal therapy associated with this group of compounds.