Definition

Scavenges free radicals to decrease & prevent oxidative damage.

Indications

• degenerative disease (prevention )

Treatments

• bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
• Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
• Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
• cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)
• cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
• flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)
• garlic (Allium sativum)
• ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
• hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
• holy basil, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
• passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
• rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
• turmeric (Curcuma longa )

Systems

• all systems

Mechanism

• Antioxidants are relatively reactive compounds that can both accept or donate a free radical
• Antioxidants have the potential to act as pro-oxidants under certain circumstances. Therefore concerns exist of people taking high amounts of antioxidants in supplement form.
• Dietary antioxidants appear safe & beneficial while controversy exist surrounding supplements

References

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Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.