The Modulatory Potential of Herbal Antioxidants Against Oxidative Stress and Heavy Metal Pollution: Plants Against Environmental Oxidative Stress Publisher Pubmed



Omidifar N¹ ; Niliahmadabadi A² ; Nakhostinansari A³ ; Lankarani KB⁴ ; Moghadami M⁴ ; Mousavi SM⁵ ; Hashemi SA⁶ ; Gholami A⁷ ; Shokripour M⁸ ; Ebrahimi Z⁹
Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research Published:2021

Abstract

Free radicals, principally reactive oxygen species (ROS), contribute to oxidative stress in human beings. Free radicals have different mechanisms of action and affect lipids, proteins, and DNA. Heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic are environmental pollutants that may induce oxidative stress and produce ROS, leading to harmful effects on different body systems such as the liver and brain. On the other side, antioxidants can have protective effects against oxidative stress and decrease their toxicity. Herbal antioxidants have potential antioxidative effects. These antioxidants positively affect neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerotic diseases, lung fibrosis, kidney injuries, and liver toxicities induced by oxidative agents, including heavy metals. In this manuscript, we explained the mechanisms of oxidative stress, and also discussed heavy metals which contribute to human oxidative stress. We further discussed different herbal antioxidants, their mechanisms of action, and their clinical use for various diseases. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.