An Antioxidant: An Overview

Abstract

Various stresses causes production of free radicals which are responsible for the chain reactions that causes cellular damage. Antioxidants protects the cells from the damage caused by the unstable free radicals by interacting with and stabilize them. Examples include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, A etc Antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid or polyphenols. Oxidation reactions are vital for life but can be damaging sometimes; therefore, plants and animals maintain intricate systems of multiple types of antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E as well as enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and various peroxidases. Oxidative stress may be caused by lower antioxidant levels due to inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, which may damage or kill cells.