The Potential Role of Nutraceuticals in Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are defined as a food or food ingredients that prevent and treat diseases. They contain dietary supplements like proteins, vitamins and minerals, compound derived from natural sources. They have functions about delaying, preventing and treating chronic inflammatory diseases due to the presence of the phytochemicals. They have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting of the activation of NF-κB, blocking the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1, downregulation of the overexpression of cell adhesion molecules and inhibiting phospholipase A2, COX-2, lipoxygenease, iNOS, myeloperoxidase and inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating enzyme activity and increasing ability to scavenge ROS. They have antioxidative role that can reduce the level of ROS and free radicals. They have effects on the process of lipid oxidation that inhibit or slow the formation of free alky radicals and cut off the free radical chain reactions.