The objective of the present study was to investigate the beneficial properties lignan compounds obtained from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (Oleaceae) for protecting human high-density lipoprotein (HDL) against lipid peroxidation. The isolated compounds (1-8) inhibited the generation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values from 8.5 to 18.7 microM, since HDL oxidation mediated by catalytic Cu2+. They also exerted an inhibitory effect against thermo-labile radical initiator (AAPH)-induced lipid peroxidation of HDL with IC50 values from 12.1 to 51.1 microM. Compounds 1 and 5 exerted inhibitory effects against the Cu2+-induced lipid peroxidation of HDL, as shown by an extended lag time prolongation at the concentration of 3.0 microM. These results suggest that the antioxidative effects of F. suspensa are due to its lignans and that these constituents may be useful for preventing the oxidation of HDL.