In human beings, inhaled oxygen is converted to reactive oxygen species and most of the body cells are oxidised.These cells slowly break down and affect the normal functioning of the body.This is caused by free radicals that wreak havoc on the integrity and performance of body cells.A single free radical can cause damage to millions of the molecules in our body.Free radicals are believed to be one of the main causes of over sixty health problems.These problems include cancer, diabetes , emphysema, arthrits , neurological disorders such as alzheimers disease and parkinsons disease etc. Hence, consumers are now increasingly becoming aware of diet related health problems .Antioxidants can protect a great many free radical initiated diseases. Antioxidants destroy the free radicals that damage cells, promote the growth of healthy cells and protect the cells against premature, abnormal ageing. Antioxidants may be natural or synthetic .Sythetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoulene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) have recently been reported to be dangerous to health at certain concentrations. While atioxidants from natural resources are expected to be safe,less toxic and health promoting. Thus, the search for effective, non toxic natural compounds with antioxidative activity has been intensified in recent years. This review is an attempt to discuss a brief account of research that is being carried out on natural plant sources with antioxidant potential.
Loading....