Antioxidant activity of plant secondary metabolites

Abstract

Oxidative stress can induce the development of many different disorders. Plant secondary metabolites may act as antioxidants by neutralisation of free radicals and by stimulation of endogenous antioxidant mechanisms. One of the important secondary plant metabolites with antioxidant activity are polyphenols. They can exert activity through different mechanisms depending on their structure. Polyphenols are widely present in herbal drugs, and some of the commonly used ones are aronia berry (Aroniae fructus) and bilberry fruit (Myrtilli fructus), both rich in anthocyanins and tannins and with high antioxidant activity. The main compounds in turmeric rhizome (Curcumae rhizome) are curcuminoides that manifest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, tea leaf (Camelliae sinensis folium) and coffee bean (Coffeae semen), highly present in everyday life, significantly contribute to the daily intake of antioxidants and provide necessary protection of the organism from the consequences of oxidative stress.