Overview of plant-derived antioxidants

Abstract

Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in favor of the latter. Under physiological conditions, ROS are continuously produced at low concentrations in the body, and they play an important role mostly by acting as second messengers to regulate key cellular responses. Various pathological conditions are characterized by a nonphysiological increased formation of ROS, which promotes cell dysfunction that can ultimately lead to irreversible cell lesions through oxidative alterations to lipids, DNA, and proteins. This chapter provides an overview of the major groups of natural antioxidants including vitamins, polyphenols, carotenoids, small antioxidant molecules, enzymes, and trace elements.