Figure 1: Chemical structure of subclasses of the flavonoids and non-flavonoids
Antioxidant |
Plant sources |
Applications |
Beta-Carotene |
Elaeis oleifera, Elaeis Guineensis Momordica Cochinchinnensis Spreng Eurycoma Longifolia Zanthoxylum Myriacanthum |
Reported to be anodyne, antidotal, aphrodisiac, diuretic, and vulnerary. Oil palm is a folk remedy for headaches, rheumatism and is used as a liniment for indolent tumors. Used as a coloring and flavoring agent in steamed glutinous rice, male aphrodisiac, stomach ache and antitumor agent. |
Alpha-Tocopherol |
Citrus Hystrix |
Fruit used as preservative, flavoring in both savory and sweet food. Leaves used as hair shampoo and as medicine. The buds of these canes are eaten as food and have medical and antiseptic properties. They are commonly used for treatment of fever and aches. The syrup of the fruit is useful in relieving thirst, febrile excitement, and also in some slight cases of hemorrhage from the bowels, stomach and internal hemorrhoids |
Ascorbic Acid C6H8O6 |
Apium Graveolens Sauropus Androgynous |
Arthritis, Back Pain (lower), Nervousness, Rheumatism. Insect and disease resistance. |
PalmiticAcid CH3(CH2)14COOH |
Elaeis Oleifera, Elaeis Guineensis |
Anodyne, antidotal, aphrodisiac, diuretic and vulnerary. Oil palm is source of palmitic acid and is a folk remedy for cancer, headaches, and rheumatism. |
Beta Sitosterol |
Morinda Citrifolia |
Diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, skin afflictions, and conditions of aging Flatulence, dyspepsia, vomiting and sickness at stomach, and recommended as a remedy for stomach cancer. Entire plant for stomach ache |
Selenium |
Astragalus |
Prevents severe side effects of chemotherapy in patients with cancer. Inhibits the growth of murine renal cell carcinoma. Activation of immune system. Sedative activity. General tonic for the cardio-vascular system, lowers blood pressure, and slows heartbeat. |
Anthraquinone C14H8O2 |
Cassia Acutifolia |
Antihelminthic, antibacterial, laxative, diuretic, for treatment of snakebites and uterine disorders. |
Tannicacid C76H52O46 |
Costus Spinosa |
Tanning of leather. |
Quercetin |
Blumea Balsamifera |
Treatment for the swelling of pancreas. |
Table 1: Widely used antioxidants and their applications [91,71]
Figure 1: Chemical structure of subclasses of the flavonoids and non-flavonoids
Figure 2: Scheme showing oxidation of a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and the role of phenolic (PP) compounds in the prevention of lipid oxidation [45]
Figure 3: Free Radical Molecule
Figure 4: A schematic diagram showing the production of free radicals via different routes and the interaction between intracellular antioxidants [63]
Figure 5: Natural antioxidants separated in classes. Green words represent exogenous antioxidants, while yellow ones represent endogenous antioxidants [80]
Tables at a glance
Figures at a glance