Free radical scavenger
Free radical scavengers are substances that interact with and neutralize free radicals, thus preventing them from causing damage. They are also known as antioxidants. Free radical scavengers are often reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid, or polyphenols.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Free radicals are atoms, molecules, or ions with unpaired electrons on an open shell configuration. They may have positive, negative, or zero charge. These unpaired electrons are usually highly reactive, so radicals are likely to take part in chemical reactions. Free radicals play a large role in combustion, atmospheric chemistry, polymerization, plasma chemistry, biochemistry, and many other chemical processes, including human physiology.
Free radical scavengers, also known as antioxidants, are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures.
Types of Free Radical Scavengers[edit | edit source]
There are several types of free radical scavengers that are known to neutralize free radicals. These include:
- Vitamin C: Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals because of its ability to donate electrons.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can stop the production of reactive oxygen species formed when fat undergoes oxidation.
- Beta-Carotene: Beta-carotene and other carotenoids provide antioxidant benefits by quenching singlet oxygen, peroxyl radicals, and other reactive oxygen species.
- Polyphenols: Polyphenols are a group of chemicals found in many fruits, vegetables, and other plants. They have antioxidant properties and can neutralize free radicals.
Role in Human Health[edit | edit source]
Free radical scavengers play a crucial role in human health by neutralizing free radicals that can cause oxidative stress, a condition that can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants can help to prevent the onset of these diseases.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Free radical scavenger Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
