Dietary Phytochemicals: As a Natural Source of Antioxidants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manju Singh Makhaik ◽  
Arvind K. Shakya ◽  
Raosaheb Kale

Since time immemorial, plants are used as the source of food and medicine. It can be traced back to the start of humanity. Bringing plant-based food, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, rich in phytochemicals, with beneficial nutrients, opens the door for healthy living. The health benefits are partly attributed to the compounds which possess antioxidants. Several epidemiological observations have shown an opposite relationship between consumption of plant-based foods, rich in phytochemicals, and many diseases including cancer. The majority of the ailments are related to oxidative stress induced by free radicals. Free radicals are extremely unstable with a very short half-life, highly reactive molecule which leads to oxidative damage to macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, and lipids. Free radical induced cellular inflammation appears to be a major contributing factor to cause aging, and degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hepatic diseases, renal ailments, and brain dysfunction. Free radicals have been caught up in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Providentially, free radical formation is controlled naturally by phytochemicals, through their antioxidant potential which plays a key role in preventing many diseases including cancer by suppressing oxidative stress-induced DNA damage. Keeping these facts in mind, an attempt has been made to highlight the oxidative stress, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant, dietary phytochemicals and their role of in disease prevention and cure.

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (10) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Raja* ◽  
Ivvala Anand Shaker ◽  
Inampudi Sailaja ◽  
R. Swaminathan ◽  
S. Saleem Basha ◽  
...  

Natural antioxidants can protect the human body from free radicals and retard the progress of many chronic diseases as well as lipid oxidative rancidity in foods. The role of antioxidants has protected effect against free radical damage that may cause many diseases including cancer. Primary sources of naturally occurring antioxidants are known as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Several studies suggest that regular consumption of nuts, mostly walnuts, may have beneficial effects against oxidative stress mediated diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The role of antioxidants has attracted much interest with respect to their protective effect against free radical damage that may cause many diseases including cancer. Juglans regia L. (walnut) contains antioxidant compounds, which are thought to contribute to their biological properties. Polyphenols, flavonoids and flavonols concentrations and antioxidant activity of Leaves, Stems and Nuts extract of Juglans regia L. as evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, Nitric acid, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation and total oxidation activity were determined. The antioxidant activities of Leaves, Stems and Nuts extract of Juglans regia L. were concentration dependent in different experimental models and it was observed that free radicals were scavenged by the test compounds in all the models.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1089
Author(s):  
Acharya Balkrishna ◽  
Akansha Rohela ◽  
Abhishek Kumar ◽  
Ashwani Kumar ◽  
Vedpriya Arya ◽  
...  

Drug resistance among microbial pathogens and oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species are two of the most challenging global issues. Firstly, drug-resistant pathogens cause several fatalities every year. Secondly aging and a variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, are associated with free radical generated oxidative stress. The treatments currently available are limited, ineffective, or less efficient, so there is an immediate need to tackle these issues by looking for new therapies to resolve resistance and neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. In the 21st century, the best way to save humans from them could be by using plants as well as their bioactive constituents. In this specific context, Jasminum is a major plant genus that is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The information in this review was gathered from a variety of sources, including books, websites, and databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In this review, a total of 14 species of Jasminum have been found to be efficient and effective against a wide variety of microbial pathogens. In addition, 14 species were found to be active free radical scavengers. The review is also focused on the disorders related to oxidative stress, and it was concluded that Jasminum grandiflorum and J. sambac normalized various parameters that were elevated by free radical generation. Alkaloids, flavonoids (rutoside), terpenes, phenols, and iridoid glucosides are among the main phytoconstituents found in various Jasminum species. Furthermore, this review also provides insight into the mechanistic basis of drug resistance, the generation of free radicals, and the role of Jasminum plants in combating resistance and neutralizing free radicals.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Shinmura

The biology of aging has not been fully clarified, but the free radical theory of aging is one of the strongest aging theories proposed to date. The free radical theory has been expanded to the oxidative stress theory, in which mitochondria play a central role in the development of the aging process because of their critical roles in bioenergetics, oxidant production, and regulation of cell death. A decline in cardiac mitochondrial function associated with the accumulation of oxidative damage might be responsible, at least in part, for the decline in cardiac performance with age. In contrast, lifelong caloric restriction can attenuate functional decline with age, delay the onset of morbidity, and extend lifespan in various species. The effect of caloric restriction appears to be related to a reduction in cellular damage induced by reactive oxygen species. There is increasing evidence that sirtuins play an essential role in the reduction of mitochondrial oxidative stress during caloric restriction. We speculate that cardiac sirtuins attenuate the accumulation of oxidative damage associated with age by modifying specific mitochondrial proteins posttranscriptionally. Therefore, the distinct role of each sirtuin in the heart subjected to caloric restriction should be clarified to translate sirtuin biology into clinical practice.


Author(s):  
Fasna K. A. ◽  
Geetha N. ◽  
Jean Maliekkal

Background: Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in body functions and decreased ability to maintain homeostasis. The free radical theory of ageing proposed by Harman D states that ageing is a result of cumulative damage incurred by free radical reactions. Free radicals are highly reactive molecular species with unpaired electrons; generated in the body by several physiological processes. Prime target to free radical attack are the polyunsaturated fatty acids of cell membranes causing lipid peroxidation. The free radicals are neutralized by the exogenous and endogenous antioxidant systems. Oxidative stress occurs when large number of free radicals are produced or the antioxidant activity is impaired. The present study is focused to find out the role of oxidative stress in ageing.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was undertaken to assess the oxidative stress in ageing; by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation product- malondialdehyde (MDA), the antioxidants- superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ceruloplasmin in various age groups. 150 healthy subjects were selected randomly and categorised into three different age groups of 20-30 years, 40-59 years and 60-90 years; with 50 subjects in each group. Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation.Results: a significant elevation in serum MDA level and a decline in SOD were observed in 40-59 years and 60-90 years age groups. However, an elevated ceruloplasmin level was found in the above age groups.Conclusions: Aforementioned observations are suggestive of an association between oxidative stress and the progression of ageing process.


Author(s):  
Abishek B. Santhakumar ◽  
Indu Singh

In the recent years, there has been a great deal of attention in investigating the disease preventive properties of functional foods. Particularly, impact of the antioxidant property of functional foods in reducing the risk or progression of chronic diseases has gained considerable interest amongst researchers and practitioners. Free radicals such as reactive oxygen species are generated in the body by exposure to a number of physiochemical or pathological mechanisms. It is imperative to preserve a balance between the levels of free radicals and antioxidants for routine physiological function, a disparity of which would accelerate oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress and associated consequences in metabolic disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes has warranted the need for exogenous antioxidant concentrates derived from natural foods to alleviate the adverse effects. This chapter provides an overview on the efficacy of functional foods in reducing free radical-mediated damage in metabolic syndrome.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-34
Author(s):  
Sheetal Yamyar ◽  
Suchita Daokar

Introduction: Orthodontic appliances are considered to be biocompatible although adverse effects attributed to release of nickel ion which are free radicals in oral cavity. These free radical produce damages both in cellular and extracellular components phospholipid membrane, proteins, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA leading to Oxidative stress which is normally counter balanced by the action antioxidant mechanisms. However in higher concentrations of free radicals resulting in cellular death and apoptosis Orthodontic appliances such as brackets, wire, resins has considered as potential allergen leading to release of free radicals. The study was conducted to determine and compare the role of oxidative stress and role of antioxidants in saliva of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic appliances therapy at different time intervals. Materials & Method: A double-blinded, parallel, randomized clinical study was designed consisting of 40 healthy participants, aged 15-30yrs. The samples were divided into two groups Group A without antioxidants supplements and Group B with antioxidants supplements. Salivary MDA levels and gingival health index was recorded at different time intervals from each group. Salivary Lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) level was estimated using Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method and gingival status was investigated using Silness & Loe gingival index. Intragroup and intergroup comparison was statistically analyzed using student’s paired T test. Result: Increased salivary MDA levels and mild to moderate amount of gingivitis is seen in both groups. This is more pronounced after 24 hours of appliance placement. Improvement in salivary MDA levels and gingival health status is observed during the course of treatment, In Group B the salivary MDA levels and gingival health index score reached below their pretreatment values. However even after a span of 3 months the levels remained higher to their base values in Group A. Conclusion: Improvement in salivary MDA levels and gingival health status is observed following antioxidant therapy during course of treatment, indicating combating nature of antioxidant supplements in orthodontic patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 1274-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha M Reilly ◽  
Zachary T Bitzer ◽  
Reema Goel ◽  
Neil Trushin ◽  
John P Richie

Abstract Introduction Free radicals and carbonyls produced by electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have the potential to inflict oxidative stress. Recently, Juul e-cigs have risen drastically in popularity; however, there is no data on nicotine and oxidant yields from this new e-cig design. Methods Aerosol generated from four different Juul flavors was analyzed for carbonyls, nicotine, and free radicals. The e-liquids were analyzed for propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (GLY) concentrations. To determine the effects of e-liquid on oxidant production, Juul pods were refilled with nicotine-free 30:70 or 60:40 PG:GLY with or without citral. Results No significant differences were found in nicotine (164 ± 41 µg/puff), free radical (5.85 ± 1.20 pmol/puff), formaldehyde (0.20 ± 0.10 µg/puff), and acetone (0.20 ± 0.05 µg/puff) levels between flavors. The PG:GLY ratio in e-liquids was ~30:70 across all flavors with GLY being slightly higher in tobacco and mint flavors. In general, when Juul e-liquids were replaced with nicotine-free 60:40 PG:GLY, oxidant production increased up to 190% and, with addition of citral, increased even further. Conclusions Juul devices produce free radicals and carbonyls, albeit, at levels substantially lower than those observed in other e-cig products, an effect only partially because of a low PG:GLY ratio. Nicotine delivery by these devices was as high as or higher than the levels previously reported from cigarettes. Implications These findings suggest that oxidative stress and/or damage resulting from Juul use may be lower than that from cigarettes or other e-cig devices; however, the high nicotine levels are suggestive of a greater addiction potential.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
UK Roy ◽  
M Pal ◽  
S Datta ◽  
S Harlalka

Background Aminophylline can trigger seizures in patients without known underlying epilepsy or added risk factor for seizure exacerbation in epilepsy. Most of these seizures are difficult to control and are underappreciated compared to other drug toxicities. Despite a long clinical history of aminophylline-induced seizures, relatively little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to methylxanthine-induced seizure generation.Objective The present study evaluated the possible involvement of free radicals in aminophylline induced seizures in rat.Method The rats were divided into two groups. The first group graded single doses of aminophylline from 100 to 300 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally. On the basis of the results Aminophylline, a dose (300 mg/kg) producing tonic-clonic seizures and mortality in 100% animals was selected as control in the study. The second group were subjected to single antioxidant (Vitamin E or Vitamin C) or in combination for 45 days then single doses of aminophylline 300 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally to rats.Result Aminophylline induced convulsions in rats in a dose-dependent manner, and both incidence of seizure and mortality were maximum at 300 mg/kg and there was significant increase of free radical generation. But though pre-treatment with antioxidants showed differential attenuating effects on aminophylline induced free radical generation as we all known but they were very much ineffective in antagonizing aminophylline induced seizures and post-seizure mortality by any appreciable extent.Conclusion Though Aminophylline induces oxidative stress the results are suggestive that at least free radicals is not only cause of convulsiogenic effects and post-seizure mortality of aminophylline.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(4) 2014; 269-274


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