Inhibition of biochemical model reactions for inflammatory processes by plant extracts: A review on recent developments

All processes of oxygen activation include very reactive intermediates. The refore, aerobic cells must cope with- and to some extent also adapt to- oxi dative stress provoked for example by infections or intoxications, where th ese reactive intermediates accumulate. Dependent on the strength of these i mpact, several symptoms indicate the deviation from normal, steady-state-me tabolism. Intrinsic radical scavenging processes or compounds administered with food thus have to warrant metabolic control within certain limits. Ant ioxidants which in many cases are free radical scavengers or quenchers of a ctivated states comprise a wealth of classes of organic molecules including phenolics, probably as the most prominent ones. in this communication mech anisms of protection from oxidative damage are discussed. Furthermore, exam ples of antioxidative functions of a few important natural products in cert ain diseases are reported.