In this modern world, due to the rapid advancement of civilization, industrialization, and overpopulation, scientific knowledge on antioxidants is important since most of the diseases are mediated through reactive oxygen species (ROS). An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of another molecule. Antioxidants may work through single or combined mechanisms, and based on their activity, they have been categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary antioxidants. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants are the two widely accepted categories of antioxidants. In addition to natural antioxidants, synthetic antioxidants have been extensively used in medicinal and food industries. In brief, antioxidants play a significant role in ameliorating toxicity through free radical scavenging reactions and therefore have potential therapeutic value.
Part of the book: Basic Principles and Clinical Significance of Oxidative Stress