摘要：The liberation or generation of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) within the body cells may directly or indirectly contribute to degenerative illnesses, such as the different types of cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases (e.g. Alzheimer, Parkinson, Multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome), cataracts and tumor formation. Natural antioxidants may have a role in protecting cells from the potentially deleterious effects of ROS or free radicals. Notable examples of dietary compounds referred to as antioxidants include carotenoids , phenolics , vitamin C and vitamin E. In this article, natural antioxidant compounds and the mechanisms of their action are reviewed.
