Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: This comprehensive review explores the antioxidant potential of various medicinal plant species and their implications for human health and disease prevention. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense mechanisms, is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases. Medicinal plants, enriched with diverse phytochemicals, offer a promising source of antioxidants that can neutralize ROS and mitigate oxidative damage. Key medicinal plant species, including turmeric (Curcuma longa), green tea (Camellia sinensis), Ginkgo biloba, Aloe vera, and ginseng (Panax ginseng), are highlighted for their antioxidant properties. These plants contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and terpenoids, which contribute to their antioxidant activity and therapeutic effects. Challenges in optimizing extraction methods, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plant antioxidants are discussed. Standardization of herbal preparations, identification of bioactive compounds, and rigorous clinical trials are essential for validating their efficacy and safety in clinical settings. Overall, the antioxidant potential of medicinal plant species offers promising avenues for preventive and therapeutic interventions in oxidative stress-related diseases. Continued research efforts are needed to unlock the full therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and translate their antioxidant properties into effective clinical treatments, thus promoting health and well-being.
Source: Journal of Plant Biota.
Authors: Nazmin Sultana, Pradip Kumar Saini, Kiran Kiran, Sandeep Rout, S. Kanaka, Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agricultural Modernization Project (TNIAMP), MDPU, Chennai, India
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4401959445