The Antioxidant Phytochemicals of Nutraceutical Importance

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 offer protection 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 reductase are strong natural antioxidants with free radical scavenging activity. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes and beverages are the main sources of polyphenols. Flavonoids possess ideal structural characteristics, which are responsible for their pharmacological properties and are also powerful metal chelators. The future of dietary antioxidants hold a great promise to ensure a better disease free lifestyle for the mankind by scavenging free radicals and consequently preventing mutagenic changes and associated disorders.