The Antioxidant Phytochemicals of Nutraceutical Importance

摘要

Over production of free radicals result in oxidative stress that deregulates the cellular and metabolic functions.Phytochemicals with antioxidant property are of great interest due to their beneficial effects on human health as they offerprotection against metabolic dysfunction, gastro-duodenal pathogenesis, premature aging, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis,atherosclerosis, cancer, neuro-degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbates,lipoic acids, polyphenols and enzymes like super oxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductaseare strong natural antioxidants with free radical scavenging activity. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes and beverages arethe main sources of polyphenols. Flavonoids possess ideal structural characteristics, which are responsible for their pharmacologicalproperties and are also powerful metal chelators. The future of dietary antioxidants hold a great promise toensure a better disease free lifestyle for the mankind by scavenging free radicals and consequently preventing mutagenicchanges and associated disorders.