Year : 2016

Volume : Volume 6

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Vinod KS
drvinodks09@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  In the stressful modern life, there is another hidden stress within the human system creating more harm and injury. Such an oxidative stress induced secondary to activity of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) contribute to aging process along with development of several other diseases. Antioxidants especially endogenous are in constant defense with these free radicals to nullify them and protect our tissues. Analysis of the levels of the free radicals and antioxidants have been effective in prompting the disease state and its prognosis and serve as disease markers. Several studies report the use of antioxidants in supplementing the mechanism of healing in tissues, and hence have been considered as a part of treatment protocol in various disease conditions. This review article presents the details of free radicals and more importantly the antioxidants and their implications in health and various systemic and oral diseases and their application as a therapeutic agent.

Keywords: Free radicals, oxidation, reduction, antioxidants, systemic diseases, oral diseases, supplements.