Twenty years ago, the enzyme superoxide dismutase which uses the superoxide radical anion as its specific substrate was reported. With this discovery was born a new scientific field, in which oxygen, necessary for aerobi c 1 ife on thi s planet, had to be cons i dered also in terms of its toxicity and stresses. This stimulated the search for knowledge of active oxygen species in biology and medicine. Superoxide and other reactive oxygen species are now implicated in many disease processes. Major advances have been achieved during these past years with respect to free radical generation and mechanisms of free radical action in causing tissue injury. In parallel, the possibil ity of influencing free radical related disease processes by antioxidant treatment was studied in various in vitro and in vivo systems. This was the unique theme of a conference organized in Paris by the Society for Free Radical Research (December 9-10, 1988) which brought together experts from basic sciences and clinicians in order to evaluate the current status of antioxidant therapy. The conference emphasized fundamental processes in antioxidant action. Among the major topics were superoxide dismutase (SOD) and low molecular weight substances with such activity, called SOD mimics. Other antioxidant enzymes were also considered. Antioxidant vitamins, in particular vitamins E and C, other naturally occurri ng antioxidants and vari ous synthet i c antioxidants were included in the presentations as there is now a rapidly developing series of compounds with potentially interesting clinical applications.

This informative volume presents a valuable overview of the therapeutic aspects as well as applications of antioxidants. It discusses the basic mechanisms of therapy-based oxidative damage and categorization of nutritional antioxidants and covers the sources of antioxidants as well as their extraction and quantification. The volume considers the controversies of the usefulness or disadvantages of antioxidant supplementation in relation to adaptation and performance and also looks at the effectiveness of bioactives and antioxidant-based therapies for specific health issues, such as anemia, infectious diseases, urinary tract infections, Parkinson’s diseases, and diabetes. The book discusses the sensing of oxidative stress and the effectiveness of antioxidant treatment, followed by an introduction to several biomarkers to estimate the bioefficacy of dietary/supplemental antioxidants in various forms. Also considered are free radicals that can cause “oxidative stress,” a process that can trigger cell damage, and how antioxidant molecules have been shown to counteract oxidative stress in laboratory experiments.

This book offers a collection of expert reviews on the use of plant-based antioxidant therapies in disease prevention and treatment. Topics discussed include the uses of plant and nutritional antioxidants in the contexts of reproductive health and prenatal development, healthcare and aging, noncommunicable chronic diseases, and environmental pollution. The text is complemented by a wealth of color figures and summary tables.

Antioxidants in Disease Mechanisms and Therapy presents molecular actions of natural and synthetic antioxidants and emphasizes the potential role in disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. The modulationof gene expression by the induction of antioxidant enzymes is a novel role beyond the direct antioxidant action. The volume explores the current state of knowledge on oxidants and antioxidants in disease processes, including arteriosclerosis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Down's syndrome, inflammation, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, afflications of the nervous system, AIDS, liver diseases, diabetes, skin diseases, and cancer. - Contains cutting-edge information on focused topics written by expert scientists - Provides the first in-depth treatment of novel compounds, such as melatonin and polyamines - Attempts molecular pathophysiology which links basic science and the clinic - Presents critical assessment of controversial topics

Current research on health, nutrition, and preventative care will always be in demand. As the battles against ailments such as diabetes and heart disease continue, medical professionals are seeking to create a healthier society through nutrition and dietary-based tactics. Nutraceutical and Functional Foods in Disease Prevention is a comprehensive publication providing current research on the dynamic fields of pharmaceutical and biomedical science in relation to nutrition. This book examines the interactions and associations between nutritive value and its therapeutic applications in human health. Touching on topics such as the impact of probiotics in human health and disease treatment, recent trends in functional foods for obesity management, and the clinical role of antioxidants in the treatment of diseases, this title proves a valuable resource for academicians, healthcare practitioners, medical researchers, and higher education students preparing for careers as health professionals.

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are a growing problem across the world’s aging population. Oxidative stress in the brain plays a central role in a common pathophysiology of these diseases. This book presents scientific research on the potential of antioxidant therapy in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This book outlines the roles of oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus in neurodegeneration, describes the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders including the roles of environmental pollutants and inflammatory responses, and explores mitochondrial dysfunction. It then describes the protective abilities of antioxidants – including vitamin D, tocotrienol and coenzyme Q10 – against neurodegeneration. The book demonstrates the therapeutic potential of ketogenic diets, and highlights the roles of medicinal plants, phytopharmaceuticals, traditional medicines and food nutrients in neuroprotection. Key Features: Explains damage caused by numerous neurodegenerative disorders and the possible protection offered by antioxidants and functional foods. Describes molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration by oxidative stress, advancing age, diabetes and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Demonstrates protection offered by nutraceuticals, antioxidants, botanical extracts and functional foods. The book contains twenty-three chapters divided into six sections written by leading researchers. This book is essential reading for health professionals, dietitians, food and nutrition scientists and anyone wanting to improve their knowledge of etiology of neurodegenerative diseases.

This book addresses various clinical and sub clinical applications of antioxidant nutraceuticals, with a primary focus on preventive use for general wellness, common ailments, and such chronic illnesses as cancer and neurological applications. This unique book captures the applications of natural antioxidants, which have been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine as well as modern nutraceuticals formulations. It covers antioxidant applications in clinical scenarios including the historical perspective, basic antioxidant properties and applications, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant applications in a variety of clinical conditions.