Atherosclerosis is linked to a number of oxidative events ranging from low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation to the increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have recently demonstrated that liver mitochondria isolated from the atherosclerosis-prone hypercholesterolemic LDL receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice have lower content of NADP(H)-linked substrates than the controls and, as consequence, higher sensitivity to oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MPT). In the present work, we show that oral supplementation with the antioxidants Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang (R)) or its main polyphenol mangiferin shifted the sensitivity of LDLr-/- liver mitochondria to MPT to control levels. These in vivo treatments with Vimang (R) and mangiferin also significantly reduced ROS generation by both isolated LDLr-/- liver mitochondria and spleen lymphocytes. In addition, these antioxidant treatments prevented mitochondrial NAD(P)H-linked substrates depletion and NADPH spontaneous oxidation. In summary, Vimang (R) and mangiferin spared the endogenous reducing equivalents (NADPH) in LDLr-/- mice mitochondria correcting their lower antioxidant capacity and restoring the organelle redox homeostasis. The effective bioavailability of these compounds makes them suitable antioxidants with potential use in atherosclerosis susceptible conditions. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.575332338