A compound derived from the tissue of green barley plants appears to have important chemical qualities that may one day prove medically useful, according to a UC Davis researcher. The chemical, 2"-(1"')-O-glycosylisovitexin or 2-O-Gl, is a member of a group of chemicals known as flavonoids. Like many flavonoids, 2-O-Gl is a plant component that inhibits oxidation, the chemical process primarily responsible for damage in living systems. In studying its antioxidative characteristics, Takayuki Shibamoto, professor and chair of the UC Davis environmental toxicology department, found that 2-O-Gl effectively inhibited oxidation of compounds called lipids that are found in human skin. The results of the study indicate that 2-O-Gl might be pharmacologically important in preventing damage to skin tissue by a variety of diseases. Shibamoto plans to continue this research by studying the effect of 2-O-Gl in skin cell cultures. He will present his findings Thursday, Aug. 27, 4:10 p.m., Grand Hyatt.