An
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to anoxidizing agent Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions
Antioxidants terminate the chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves, so antioxidants are often called as reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid or polyphenols.
Antioxidants are widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements and have been investigated for the prevention of diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease and even altitude sickness.
Antioxidants are our first line of defense against free radical damage, and are critical for maintaining optimum health and wellbeing. The need for antioxidants becomes even more critical with increased exposure to free radicals. Pollution, cigarette smoke, drugs, illness, stress, and even exercise can increase free radical exposure. Because so many factors can contribute to oxidative stress, individual assessment of susceptibility becomes important. Many experts believe that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for specific antioxidants may be inadequate and, in some instances, the need may be several times the RDA. As part of a healthy lifestyle and a well-balanced, wholesome diet, antioxidant supplementation is now being recognized as an important means of improving free radical protection. Damage to cells caused by free radicals is believed to play a central role in the aging process and in disease progression. The present paper Reviews the Role of
To protect the cells and organ systems of the body against reactive oxygen species, humans have evolved a highly sophisticated and complex antioxidant protection system. It involves a variety of components, both endogenous and exogenous in origin, that function interactively and synergistically to neutralize free radicals.
These components include:
Nutrient-derived antioxidants like ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E), carotenoids, and other low molecular weight compounds such as glutathione and lipoic acid.
Antioxidant enzymes, e.g., superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, which catalyze free radical quenching reactions.
Metal binding proteins, such as ferritin, lactoferrin, albumin, and ceruloplasmin that sequester free iron and copper ions that are capable of catalyzing oxidative reactions.
Numerous other antioxidant phytonutrients present in a wide variety of plant foods
|
|
| Hydroxyl radical Vitamin C, glutathione, |
| flavonoids, lipoic acid |
| Superoxide radical Vitamin C, glutathione, |
| flavonoids, SOD |
| Hydrogen peroxide Vitamin C, glutathione, beta |
| carotene, vitamin E, CoQ10, |
| flavonoids, lipoic acid |
| Lipid peroxides Beta carotene, vitamin E, |
| ubiquinone, flavonoids, |
| glutathione peroxidase |
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene are among the most widely studied dietary antioxidants. Vitamin C is considered the most important water-soluble antioxidant in extracellular fluids. It is capable of neutralizing ROS in the aqueous phase before lipid peroxidation is initiated. Vitamin E, a major lipid-soluble antioxidant, is the most effective chain-breaking antioxidant within the cell membrane where it protects membrane fatty acids from lipid peroxidation. Vitamin C has been cited as being capable of regenerating vitamin E.
Beta carotene and other carotenoids are also believed to provide antioxidant protection to lipid-rich tissues. Research suggests beta carotene may work synergistically with vitamin E.
A diet that is excessively low in fat may negatively affect beta carotene and vitamin E absorption, as well as other fat-soluble nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are major sources of vitamin C and carotenoids, while whole grains and high quality, properly extracted and protected vegetable oils are major sources of vitamin E.
Many plant-derived substances, collectively termed “phytonutrients,” or “phytochemicals,” are becoming increasingly known for their antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids are ubiquitous within the plant kingdom: approximately 3,000 flavonoid substances have been described in Natural Antioxidants in Human Health and Disease. ed. Frei, B. Academic Press: San Diego, 1994.
In plants, flavonoids serve as protectors against a wide variety of environmental stresses while, in humans, flavonoids appear to function as “biological response modifiers.”
Flavonoids have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, anti-viral, anti-aging, and anti-carcinogenic activity.
The broad therapeutic effects of flavonoids can be largely attributed to their antioxidant properties. In addition to an antioxidant effect, flavonoid compounds may exert protection against heart disease through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activities in platelets and macrophages.
In addition to dietary antioxidants, the body relies on several endogenous defense mechanisms to help protect against free radical-induced cell damage. The antioxidant enzymes – glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) – metabolize oxidative toxic intermediates and require micronutrient cofactors such as selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese for optimum catalytic activity. It has been suggested that an inadequate dietary intake of these trace minerals may compromise the effectiveness of these antioxidant defense mechanisms.Research indicates that consumption and absorption of these important trace minerals may decrease with aging .Intensive agricultural methods have also resulted in significant depletion of these valuable trace minerals in our soils and the foods grown in them. Glutathione, an important water-soluble antioxidant, is synthesized from the amino acids glycine, glutamate, and cysteine. Glutathione directly quenches ROS such as lipid peroxides, and also plays a major role in xenobiotic metabolism. Exposure of the liver to xenobiotic substances induces oxidative reactions through the upregulation of detoxification enzymes, i.e., cytochrome P-450 mixed-function oxidase. When an individual is exposed to high levels of xenobiotics, more glutathione is utilized for conjugation (a key step in the body’s detoxification process) making it less available to serve as an antioxidant. Research suggests that glutathione and vitamin C work interactively to quench free radicals and that they have a sparing effect upon each other. Lipoic acid, yet another important endogenous antioxidant, categorized as a “thiol” or “biothiol,” is a sulfur-containing molecule that is known for its involvement in the reaction that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids, such as pyruvate and alphaketoglutarate, in the Krebs cycle. Lipoic acid and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), are capable of quenching free radicals in both lipid and aqueous domains and as such has been called a “universal antioxidant.” Lipoic acid may also exert its antioxidant effect by chelating with pro-oxidant metals. Research further suggests that lipoic acid has a sparing effect on other antioxidants. Animal studies have demonstrated supplemental lipoic acid to protect against the symptoms of vitamin E or vitamin C deficiency.
Additional physiological antioxidants are listed in Table II.
|
|
| Bilirubin |
| Thiols, e.g., glutathione, lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine |
| NADPH and NADH |
| Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) |
| Uric acid |
| Enzymes: |
| copper/zinc and manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD) |
| iron-dependent catalase |
| selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase |
e.g., lycopene and lutein
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Beta carotene and other carotenoids and oxycarotenoids,
Polyphenols, e.g., flavonoids, flavones, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins
Albumin (copper)
Ceruloplasmin (copper)
Metallothionein (copper)
Ferritin (iron)
Myoglobin (iron)
Transferrin (iron)
As remarkable as our antioxidant defense system is, it may not always be adequate. The term “oxidative stress” has been coined to represent a shift towards the pro-oxidants in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance that can occur as a result of an increase in oxidative metabolism. Increased oxidative stress at the cellular level can come about as a consequence of many factors, including exposure to alcohol, medications, trauma, cold, infections, poor diet, toxins, radiation, or strenuous physical activity. Protection against all of these processes is dependent upon the adequacy of various antioxidant substances that are derived either directly or indirectly from the diet. Consequently, an inadequate intake of antioxidant nutrients may compromise antioxidant potential, thus compounding overall oxidative stress.
Oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and other macromolecules has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases, most notably heart disease and cancer. A growing body of animal and epidemiological studies as well as clinical intervention trials suggest that antioxidants may play a pivotal role in preventing or slowing the progression of both heart disease and some forms of cancer.
| Atherosclerosis |
| Cancer |
| Pulmonary dysfunction |
| Cataracts |
| Arthritis and inflammatory diseases |
| Diabetes |
| Shock, trauma, and ischemia |
| Renal disease and hemodialysis |
| Multiple sclerosis |
| Pancreatitis |
| Inflammatory bowel disease and colitis |
| Parkinson’s disease |
| Neonatal lipoprotein oxidation |
| Drug reactions |
| Skin lesion & Aging |
Methylcobalamine ------1500 mcg
Omega-3 FattyAcid----- 150 mg
Vitamin A-----------------5000 IU
Vitamin C-----------------150 mg
Vitamin E-----------------200 IU
ElementalZinc----------- 20 mg
Selenium------------------70mcg
Folic Acid-----------------5 mg
Heart disease is the leading cause of death. It is estimated that one in three person will eventually die from this disease. While several factors, such as high cholesterol levels, hypertension, cigarette smoking, and diabetes, are believed to promote atherosclerosis, a growing body of evidence suggests a critical step in its development is the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) within the arterial wall. This theory is supported by several epidemiological studies which link in low intakes of dietary antioxidants to an increased frequency of heart disease. Additionally, an inverse relationship between heart disease and plasma antioxidant levels has been reported.
Antioxidants in
Cancer is the second leading cause of death all over the world. It is estimated that diet may account for as much as 35% of all human cancers. Epidemiological evidence consistently relates low antioxidant intake or low blood levels of antioxidants with increased cancer risk. In fact, low dietary intake of fruits and vegetables doubles the risk of most types of cancers
Oxidants are capable of stimulating cell division, which is a critical factor in mutagenesis. When a cell with a damaged DNA strand divides, cell metabolism and duplication becomes deranged.
Thus, a mutation can arise which in turn is an important factor in carcinogenesis. It is believed that antioxidants exert their protective effect by decreasing oxidative damage to DNA and by decreasing abnormal increases in cell division. Both cigarette smoking and chronic inflammation–two of the major causes of cancer–have strong free radical components in their mechanisms of action. Some research has indicated that people who smoke tend to have lower antioxidant levels than nonsmokers and are at an increased risk for both cancer and cardiovascular disease. Well over 100 studies have reported that reduction in cancer risk is associated with a diet high in vitamin C in
Because of its large surface area, the respiratory tract is a major target for free radical insult, not to mention the fact that air pollution is a major source of ROS. Recent studies suggest that free radicals may be involved in the development of pulmonary disorders such as asthma. Cellular damage caused by free radicals is thought to be partly responsible for the bronchial inflammation characteristic of this disease. It has been suggested that increasing antioxidant intake may help to reduce oxidant stress and help to prevent or minimize the development of asthmatic symptoms.
Vitamin C, vitamin E supplementation in
Other major pathologies that may involve free radicals include neurological disorders and cataracts. Neural tissue may be particularly susceptible to oxidative damage because it receives a disproportionately large percentage of oxygen and it has a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are highly prone to oxidation.
Formation of cataracts is believed to involve damage to lens protein by free radicals, causing the lens to lose its transparency. Some evidence suggests that cataract progression might be slowed with regular consumption of supplemental antioxidants, in particular vitamin E, vitamin C. It is estimated that if cataract development were delayed by 10 years as a result of increased antioxidant protection, the number of cataract surgeries performed would decrease by more than half.
Data from phase I of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988- 1991) were used to examine concentrations of Antioxidants in 40- to 74-yearold persons with normal glucose tolerance (n =1,010), impaired glucose tolerance (n = 277), newly diagnosed diabetes (n = 148), and previously diagnosed diabetes (n = 230), based on World Health Organization criteria. After adjustment for age, sex, race, education, serum cotinine (a metabolic byproduct of nicotine), serum cholesterol, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, vitamins use was inversely related to fasting serum insulin after adjustment for confounders (p<0.05). These data suggest a possible role for Antioxidants in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and diabetes. A study investigated the relationship between hyperglycemia and serum carotenoids, including Antioxidants, and intake of vegetables and fruits. Subjects were recruited with a history of diabetes mellitus (n=133) or with hyperglycemia diagnosed using a conservative 5.6-percent cutoff value for hemoglobin A1c (n=151). Serum levels of carotenoids and retinol were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Regular intake of
Pre-mature ageing, Wriknes, Hyper-pigmentation, Psoriasis, Eczema, Blemishness.
NERVEFORTE-EC TabletsProtects ovum & gametes, Ensures successful nidation, Improves pregnancy rate & outcome. Reduces chances of complications. NERVEFORTE-EC Tablets Prevents & reduces chances of pre-eclampsa & PIH, Helps in adequate growth of foetus- reduces IUGR chances, Reduces risk of abortions. Helps in successful pregnancy.
Studies have also investigated the relationship and/or use of
1-2 Tablets daily with meals
NERVEFORTE-EC Tablets prevent
Lowers BP & increases plasma nitrate levels
Prevents oxidative damage of LDL
Inhibits enzymatic synthesis of cholesterol
Reduces risk of CHD, MI & prevents atherosclerosis
Prevents end organ damage
Improves endothelial dysfunction markers
Decreases lipid peroxidation
Improves glycemic control
Pre-mature ageing ,Wriknes, Hyper-pigmentation, Psoriasis, Eczema, Blemishness
Helps in cellular repair
Firms up the skin & retains moisture
Slows down signs of ageing & promotes skin rejuvenation & texture.
Infertile men have very high levels of semen ROS
Spermatogenesis is very sensitive to oxidative stress
Protects sperm from oxidative damage
Significantly improves sperm quality. Increases sperm count. Concentration, Motility, Morphology
Protects ovum & gametes
Ensures successful nidation
Improves pregnancy rate & outcome
Reduces chances of complications
Prevents & reduces chances of pre-eclampsa & PIH
Helps in adequate growth of foetus - reduces IUGR chances
Reduces risk of abortions.
PROTECT & TREAT LIFE STYLE DISORDERS
AS A POTENT ANTIOXIDANT
Product is contra-indicated in persons with Known hypersensitivity to any component of the product hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
Taken by oral route at anytime with food.
If you are taking any prescribed medication or has any medical conditions always consults doctor or healthcare practitioner before taking this supplement.
VeryMild side effects like nausea, headache and vomiting in some individuals may be observed.
It is widely accepted that oxidative stress is a significant factor in the progression of diseases. Oxidative stress is associated with increased reactive oxygen species and is known to accelerate disease formation since superoxide is converted to a toxic substance, namely hydrogen peroxide. This reaction is prevented by antioxidant enzymes, namely catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Antioxidants are key prophylactic agents in preventing oxidation related cell damage. A large number of epidemiological and interventional studies have been investigated for the role of dietary antioxidant supplement in the prevention of life style disorders. As part of a healthy lifestyle and a well-balanced, wholesome diet, antioxidant supplementation of
Ford ES, Will JC, Bowman BA, Narayan KM. Diabetes mellitus and serum carotenoids findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Suzuki K, Ito Y, Nakamura S, et al. Relationship between serum carotenoids and hyperglycemia: a population-based cross-sectional study.
Gale CR, Hall NF, Phillips DI, Martyn CN. Plasma antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids and age-related cataract.
Gross MD, Snowdon DA. Plasma lycopene and longevity: findings from the Nun Study.
Metzger A, Mukasa G, Shankar AH, et al. Antioxidant status and acute malaria in children in Kampala, Uganda.
Franceschi S, Bidoli E, La Vecchia C, et al. Tomatoes and risk of digestive-tract cancers.
De Stefani E, Oreggia F, Boffetta P, et al. cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract: a casecontrol in Uraguay.
Watzl B, Bub A, Brandstetter BR, Rechkemmer G. Modulation of human Tlymphocyte functions by the consumption of carotenoid-rich vegetables.
Mecocci P, Polidori MC, Cherubini A, et al. Lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage and plasma antioxidants in Alzheimer disease.
Palan PR, Mikhail MS, Romney SL. Placental and serum levels of carotenoids in preeclampsia.
Polidori MC, Mecocci P. Plasma susceptibility to free radical-induced antioxidant consumption and lipid peroxidation is increased in very old subjects with Alzheimer disease.