FRAP-to-ORAC assay-identity drift in antioxidant-capacity reporting: A source-provenance audit using dragon’s blood (Croton lechleri) as a case study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Antioxidant-capacity rankings can become misleading when assay identity, calibration basis, units, significant figures and source provenance are not preserved. This methodological review examines ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)-to-oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay-identity drift using the dragon’s-blood ( Croton lechleri ) claim as a case study. The repeated “ORAC” claim of approximately 2.9 × 1 0 6 μ mol Trolox equivalents/100 g is best traced to Carlsen et al.’s modified-FRAP table, which reported Sangre de Grado at approximately 2.9 × 1 0 3 mmol/100 g; it was not a primary ORAC measurement. The case shows how compatible values can be relabelled across non-equivalent assays and propagated through secondary rankings. Studies of C. lechleri demonstrate exceptional modified-FRAP reducing capacity and redox activity across chemical and cellular models, but this evidence does not establish an ORAC rank. Harmonized ORAC FL testing of authenticated latex and prespecified comparators is required before ORAC ranking or health-related inference.
Source: Advances in Redox Research
Author: Christopher B. Germann
Institution: Witten/Herdecke University
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,590
OpenAlex ID: W7168041765