Due to the detrimental nature of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), a number
of antioxidants have been evolved to control these reactive species in mammals, including humans. The
endogenous antioxidative defenses include antioxidant enzymes/proteins and non-protein antioxidant
compounds synthesized by cells. Mammalian cells and tissues also contain antioxidant compounds
derived from the diet. In addition, a number of synthesized antioxidant compounds have become
available. This chapter provides a survey of the various types of antioxidants encountered in free radical
biomedicine. The chemical or biochemical properties, biological activities, and molecular regulation of
antioxidants are discussed in the context of their implications for disease intervention.
Keywords: Antioxidant vitamins, Antioxidants, carotenoids, Catalase, Dietary antioxidants, Glutaredoxin,
Glutathione system, Heme oxygenase, Methionine sulfoxide reductase, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase,
Non-protein antioxidants, Nrf2, Paraoxonase, Polyphenols, Superoxide dismutase, Thioredoxin system.
