Sugarcane molasses and its ability to neutralise free radicals in lab tests
What it found
Fractions of sugarcane molasses protected DNA from damage caused by free radicals in lab tests.
Ten plant compounds linked to antioxidant effects were found in the samples.
What they found
Animal and lab studies
Free radical neutralising power
In lab tests, the seven molasses fractions scored between 4399 and 6,266 on a standard measure of antioxidant capacity.
Protection in cells
When tested on cells in the lab, the fractions showed antioxidant activity at very small amounts, ranging from 3.7 to 5.9 micrograms per millilitre.
DNA protection in lab
Two of the fractions, especially parts six and seven, shielded DNA from free radical damage in lab tests. This happened at a concentration of 100 micrograms per millilitre.
Other findings
Plant compounds identified
The researchers found ten phenolic compounds in the molasses fractions. These included ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, schaftoside, isoschaftoside, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
What the authors conclude
- They found that sugarcane molasses has strong antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals in laboratory settings.
- Their analysis identified specific plant compounds in the molasses that likely drive this protective effect.
How it was done
Sugarcane molasses contains materials that can mop up harmful molecules called peroxyl radicals. The researchers wanted to measure how strong this effect is and identify the compounds responsible.
Scientists separated sugarcane molasses into seven parts using a solvent. They tested each part in lab assays for its ability to neutralise free radicals and protect DNA from damage.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- These are lab and cell tests, so they cannot show what happens when people eat molasses.
- The study did not test molasses in animals or people, so any health benefits remain unknown.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Kagoshima University, Japan
The paper
- Title
- Antioxidant activity of sugarcane molasses against 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced peroxyl radicals
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Animals and lab studies
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Asikin Y, Takahashi M, Mishima T, Mizu M, Takara K, Wada K (2013). Antioxidant activity of sugarcane molasses against 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced peroxyl radicals. Food chemistry. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.03.045PubMed 23768381DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error