Free Radicals in Human Health: Sources, Chemistry, Biological effects and Antioxidant strategies for Mitigation

Free radicals are extremely reactive molecules produced by both endogenous metabolic processes and exogenous environmental factors. Their unpaired electrons make them chemically active, allowing them to interact with cellular components like lipids, proteins, and DNA. While moderate levels of free radicals contribute to immune defense and physiological signaling, excessive production causes oxidative stress, which is associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. This review discusses the main sources of free radicals, their chemistry in the human body, and their detrimental effects on cellular integrity and function. It also looks at the body's natural antioxidant defense systems and emphasizes the role of dietary and synthetic antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress. Emphasis is made on the mechanisms by which antioxidants neutralize free radicals and the potential of developing antioxidant therapy. To effectively prevent and treat diseases linked to oxidative stress, it is essential to comprehend how free radicals and antioxidants interact.