Page 225 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)
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Antioxidants
Role of antioxidants:
Pollutants, ionizing radiation or UV light, smoking, exposureto
xenobiotics, and development of certain pathological conditions
lead to oxidative stress
Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain
reactions that damage cells
Cell damage caused by free radicals appears to be a major
contributor in at least 50 diseases,aging and degenerative
diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts,
rheumatoid arthritis, and brain dysfunction.
