Antioxidant function

"Antioxidant function" refers to the biochemical property of a substance to delay, prevent, or inhibit oxidation by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, thereby protecting cellular components such as DNA, lipids, and proteins from oxidative damage[1][2][3][4]. This function is executed by a wide variety of compounds, including endogenous enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), dietary vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E), and other small molecules (e.g., glutathione, flavonoids)[1][4][5]. Antioxidant activity is important for cellular defense against oxidative stress implicated in a range of diseases, but "antioxidant function" itself is not a single molecular target or receptor amenable to drug targeting[1][4][6].

Radical scavenging - Electron or hydrogen atom donation - Chelation of transition metals - Inhibition of ROS production - Induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes