Oxidative stress mediator (via polyphenol antioxidant activity) (null)

The term "Oxidative stress mediator via polyphenol antioxidant activity" does not refer to a single molecular entity but describes the collective action through which dietary polyphenols modulate oxidative stress by interacting with various reactive oxygen species and cellular pathways. Polyphenolic compounds act primarily through direct free radical scavenging—donating hydrogen atoms or electrons—and by chelating metal ions that catalyze free radical formation. They also inhibit key oxidases involved in inflammation and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase. Through these mechanisms, they help protect against cellular damage implicated in chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes mellitus type 2 infection-related inflammation among others.

Other names

Reactive oxygen species modulatorPolyphenol antioxidant pathwayAntioxidant defense systemFree radical scavenger system

Polyphenols act through direct free radical scavenging by donating hydrogen atoms or electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species. They also perform metal ion chelation by binding transition metals like Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ to prevent free radical generation. Furthermore, they inhibit oxidases such as lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, reducing inflammatory mediators, and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase.