Two extracts (ethyl acetate and ethanol) and isocytisoside obtained from Aquilegia vulgaris were tested for their antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity in vitro. Inhibition both non-enzymatic (IC50: 150-219 microg/ml) and enzymatic (IC50: 23-60 microg/ml) microsomal lipid peroxidation was observed, the extracts being more active than isocytisoside. The substances tested appeared to be weak hydroxyl radical scavengers, showed very low TEAC values and moderate iron chelation ability. However, all preparations at the concentration 25 microg/ml inhibited superoxide anion formation at the range 47-68%. Despite of the lack of a potent free radical scavenging ability the substances tested demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. Relationship between this parameter and the content of phenolic groups was noticed.