Antioxidants

Dear Colleagues,

Antioxidants of plant origin are likely one of the most studied class of natural, functional compounds and they play a relevant role in a variety of commercial uses, ranging from phytocosmetics to nutraceuticals, from medicinal plants to pharmaceuticals. Their key role in the prevention of the onset of a wide range of pathologies and conditions related to oxidative stress (inflammation and cardiovascular diseases, aging related disorders, mutagenesis, cancer prevention to name a few) make them an attractive class of phytochemicals for the promotion of human health. Moreover, their efficacy as safe preservatives for foods, fodder and cosmetic formulations broaden the horizon of their applications.

Contributions for this issue, both in form of original research and review articles, may cover all aspects of plant antioxidants chemistry, biochemistry and biology, e.g. quantification, variability and efficacy of dietary and non-dietary antioxidants from plant sources and agroindustrial waste material; development of new protocols and methods based on chemical or biological systems for the evaluation of in vivo and in vitro antioxidant capacity; clinical and nutritional trials focused on the antioxidant properties of plant secondary metabolites; pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of natural antioxidants; relationships between antioxidant properties and human health promotion; elucidation of antioxidant mechanisms; innovative techniques of antioxidants delivery and protocols for the extraction, isolation, structural characterization of new natural antioxidants will be welcomed, on condition that an adequate evaluation of their efficacy is provided. Papers regarding the relationships between natural antioxidant content and stabilization of cosmetic, fodder and food products will be also taken into consideration.

Dr. Renato Bruni
Guest Editor