Phytochemicals, polyphenols, and their derivatives including the flavonoids, tannins, and catechins discussed here­in, are molecules derived from plants that have potential benefit for human health. One of the many proposed benefits of the polyphenols and their derivatives is their potential for antioxidant effects. Due to their structural similarities, the polyphenols act as antioxidants by donating […]

Although large amounts of oxygen radicals can act as metabolic toxins causing oxidative stress, nontoxic levels of radicals may be beneficial to cellular communication and cellular defense. Many cellular functions are carried out through the use of intracellular messengers such as camp, diacylglycerols, and inositol triphosphates. Recently, there has been evidence to support the notion […]

Living in an oxygen-rich environment presents an enigma for principally aerobic organisms such as human beings. Oxygen is an absolute requirement for life, yet paradoxically it also contributes to an “erosion” of the organism over time as metabolism continues. Derivatives of oxygen known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in a number of […]