Peroxidation of human erythrocyte ghosts was initiated by a water- soluble free radical initiator 2,2'-azo(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). The peroxidation was monitored by oxygen uptake and consumpotion of vitamin E. It was found that the peroxidation was inhibited by the principal polyphenolic components extracted from green tea leaves, i. e. (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)- epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), and (-)- epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Kinetic analysis of the antioxidation process demonstrated that these green tea polyphenols could significantly shorten the kinetic chain length of the peroxidation and inhibit the peroxidation of erythrocyte ghosts with the activity sequence of EC〉GCG〉EGCG〉EGC.

Key words: ANTIOXIDANTS, FREE RADICALS, AMIDINE, INDUCTION, ANTIOXIDANTS