Herbal Antioxidants: A Review

Antioxidant the word itself is magic. Suggesting some type of allencompassing protection against cellular wear and damage, the scientific medical community has now embraced a once reviled theory. Using the antioxidant concept as a spearhead in proposed mechanisms staving off socalled “free radical” reactions, the rush is on to mine claim for the latest and most effect combination of free radical scavenging compound. They are therefore critical for maintaining optimal cellular and systemic health and well being. Defense strategies against such aggressive radical species include enzymes, antioxidants that occur naturally in the body (glutathione, uric acid, ubiquinol-10, and other) and radical scavenging nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, E, and carotenoids. This paper will present a brief discussion of some well-and little-known phyto pharmaceuticals (i.e. herbs) that may add to the optimization of antioxidant status and therefore offer added preventive values for overall health.