Antioxidant Potential of Pyrimidine Derivatives against Oxidative Stress

Abstract

The human body is under constant attack from oxidative stress which in turn induces the excessive production of free radicals, particularly the reactive oxygen species in the body which causes damage to cells, proteins and deoxyribonucleic acid. Free radicals are associated with progression of numerous pathological disruptions in humans including cancer, inflammation, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and aging as well. Antioxidants are the so called “free radical scavengers” of the body, with ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases by diminishing oxidative damage. Pyrimidines are heterocyclic molecule with ability to be utilized in therapeutics as antioxidant. Recently, novel approaches have been made and significant progress has occurred in last few years to overcome damage caused by free radical generation using pyrimidine derivatives. The current review focuses on synthesizable pyrimidine derivatives that show promise towards future development as antioxidants with therapeutic purpose.