Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Cellular Membrane Affinity Chromatography Columns to Identify Specialized Plant Metabolites Interacting with Immobilized Tropomyosin Kinase Receptor B
11:44

Cellular Membrane Affinity Chromatography Columns to Identify Specialized Plant Metabolites Interacting with Immobilized Tropomyosin Kinase Receptor B

Published on: January 19, 2022

Natural antioxidants: therapeutic prospects for cancer and neurological diseases

J M Matés1, J A Segura, F J Alonso

  • 1Department of Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain. jmates@uma.es

Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
|June 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Oxidative stress involves a constant battle between oxidants and antioxidants within cells. This review explores natural compounds, particularly phytochemicals, that exhibit antioxidant properties, targeting tumor cells and neurons.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cells constantly experience oxidative stress due to the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants.
  • Oxidative stress is implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Natural compounds, especially phytochemicals, are recognized for their potential antioxidant activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review of natural compounds with significant antioxidant functions.
  • To highlight the roles of specific phytochemicals in combating oxidative stress.
  • To focus on the therapeutic potential of these compounds against tumor cells and neurons.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific studies on natural compounds and their antioxidant properties.
  • Analysis of research focusing on phytochemicals targeting cellular redox balance.
  • Examination of studies investigating the effects of antioxidants on cancer cells and neuronal function.

Main Results:

  • Several natural compounds and phytochemicals demonstrate potent antioxidant capabilities.
  • These compounds effectively modulate the oxidant-antioxidant balance within cells.
  • Phytochemicals show promise in selectively targeting tumor cells and protecting neurons.

Conclusions:

  • Natural compounds, particularly phytochemicals, represent a promising therapeutic strategy for conditions associated with oxidative stress.
  • Targeting tumor cells and neurons with these antioxidants could offer novel treatment avenues.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms and clinical applications of these natural agents.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue01:15

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...