The Role of Natural Antioxidants on Heart Diseases: A Review Article

Reactive oxygen species and oxidants cause cell damage. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize reactive oxygen species and protect body structures against these factors. Some enzyme antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and catalase are naturally present in the body and some are derived from people's habits and diet. Research shows that the main cause of cardiovascular diseases in a pro-inflammatory state is excessive production of reactive oxygen species and irregular levels of plasma lipids. Antioxidants are among the most important molecules in preventing cardiovascular diseases, and inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules is one of the important capabilities of antioxidants. In this study, oxidative stress and the state of antioxidant defense are addressed as the most important mechanisms involved in preventing heart diseases. Related articles published in this research between 1987 and 2024 were used from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus scientific databases using the terms antioxidant, oxidative stress, free radicals, and heart diseases. The effects of tocopherol, flavonoids, phenols, carotenoids, lycopene, and vitamin C antioxidants in heart diseases have been investigated. The present research states that reactive oxygen species or oxidants react in free form or in combination with the vital components of the cell and cause serious oxidative damage. These damages become a prelude to many heart diseases. Therefore, antioxidants are useful compounds that neutralize reactive oxygen species but care must be taken in how they are used.