Role of Antioxidants, Anti-Carcinogens and Anti-Mutagens

Antioxidants are molecules that restrain the process of oxidation. Anti-mutagens are the medium to prevent any DNA transformation. Irreversible DNA damage is caused by mutagens and carcinogens. Defective metabolism occurs due to oxidative stress which can be avoided by antioxidants. The tumour causing ability of nitrosamines, which is commonly referred as chemical carcinogenesis, is been associated with oxidative stress. Several herbals, which play a significant role as anti-oxidants and as medium to inhibit oxidative stress are summarised in this article. The defective metabolism of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which is the scenario linked with cellular disorder due to oxygenate function is prevented by the active participation of antioxidants. The article provides a better platform to review the importance of antioxidants, anti-mutagens and anti-carcinogens. As DNA is the main part of a living being, any damage to its structure and cleavage results in serious disorder and hence focussing on DNA protection, their role is primarily highlighted.