Nature's most powerful antioxidants and their possible health effects

Summary

Antioxidants are molecules that protect the body's cells from harmful free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and contribute to aging and a variety of health challenges. This article presents a detailed review of the 30 most potent antioxidants in nature, ranked by their orac (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which measures their ability to neutralize free radicals in vitro. We explore their biochemical behaviors, potential pro-oxidic effects in cancer cells, and possible health effects, including support for cardiovascular health, inflammatory damping, immune system and cognitive function. The article also considers bioavailability and practical application. The information is based on scientific studies and avoids medical claims, in line with the EFSA regulations.

What are antioxidants and why are they important?

Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals by donating electrons or hydrogen atoms. Free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen compounds (ROS), are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that can damage DNA, proteins and cell membranes. When the production of free radicals exceeds the body's antioxidant defense, oxidative stress occurs, a condition associated with aging, chronic inflammation and various health problems.

• Free radicals: Electron thieves that destabilize cells by reacting with biomolecules.

• Antioxidants: Electrondonors that stabilize free radicals and prevent damage.

Antioxidants are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs, as well as in the body's own systems, such as glutation and enzymes such as super oxidedismutase (SOD) and catalase. A diet rich in antioxidants can strengthen the body's redox balance and help maintain healthy cell function.

Redox Balance and Transmembran Potential (TMP)

The redox balance refers to the equilibrium between oxidants and antioxidants in the body. When this balance is disturbed, oxidative stress can damage cell membranes, mitochondria and DNA, which can lead to dysfunction and impaired cell health.

The transmembran potential (TMP) is the electrical voltage difference over the cell membrane, usually between -60 and -90 mv in healthy cells. TMP is crucial to:

• Active transport of nutrients and waste materials.

• Regulation of cell volume.

• Mitochondrial function and ATP production.

• Maintaining the cell's electric and chemical homeostasis.

Oxidative stress can weaken ion pumps such as NA⁺/K⁺-Atpase, leading to depolarization (less negative TMP), reduced cell energy and increased vulnerability. Antioxidants help maintain TMP by:

• Protect mitochondrial membranes from lipid peroxidation.

• Stabilize electron transport chains in the mitochondria.

• Reduce oxidative damage that can interfere with ion pumps.

For example, fat -soluble antioxidants such as vitamin E can protect cell membranes from oxidation, while water -soluble antioxidants such as vitamin C regenerate other antioxidants and support cytosolic defense.

Benefits and effects

Antioxidants offer a variety of potential health effects by counteracting oxidative stress and supporting the body's natural processes:

• Cardiovascular support: Antioxidants such as hydroxytrosol and grape core extract can help reduce oxidation of LDL cholesterol, support blood flow and maintain healthy vascular function. EFSA has approved a health claim for hydroxy thyroid, which states that a daily intake of 5 mg contributes to the protection of blood lipids against oxidative damage.

• Inflammatory damping: Compounds such as curcumin and rosemary can inhibit pro-inflammatory signals, such as NF-κB, and reduce the production of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6.

• Immune modulation: Antioxidants such as chaga fungus and nip can strengthen the immune system by supporting the production of immune cells and reducing oxidative damage.

• Cognitive support: Bacopa and sage can protect the brain from oxidative damage and support cognitive function.

• Skin and eye health: Astaksantin and Acai berries can reduce UV-induced damage and support eye health by protecting from oxidative stress.

• Research on cancer cells: Some antioxidants, such as hydroxytrosol and curcumin, can induce praise in cancer cells, leading to apoptosis. These effects are still under research and require clinical validation.

Pro-oxidal effects in cancer cells

Some antioxidants can act as pro-oxidants in cancer cells, generating praise that cause oxidative stress and induces programmed cell death (apoptosis). Cancer cells often have higher levels of praise and metal ions (such as copper and iron) than healthy cells, making them vulnerable to further oxidative stress. For example:

• Hydroxytrosol: Increases praise in melanoma and colorectal cancer cells, activates pro-apoptotic genes such as BAX and CASP3, and down-regulates anti-apoptotic genes such as BCL2.

• Curcumin: Acts as an antioxidant in healthy cells, but can induce praise in cancer cells, especially in the presence of metal ions, and promote apoptosis.

• Astaksantine: Can induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in breast and prostate cancer cells.

This duality makes antioxidants interesting for research, but their therapeutic potential requires additional clinical studies.

Technical specifications - orac and bioavailability

The orac value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) measures an antioxidant's ability to neutralize free radicals in a laboratory, expressed in micromol trolox equivalents per 100 grams (µmol tea/100 g). Although ORAC is a useful indicator of antioxidant capacity, it does not necessarily reflect biological activity in the body, as factors such as bioavailability, absorption and metabolism play a crucial role.

Actions

Antioxidants work through several mechanisms:

• Electrononation: Neutralizes free radicals by donating electrons or hydrogen atoms (eg vitamin C, hydroxytyrosol).

• Metal -caeling effect: Binds metal ions such as iron and copper to prevent fenton reactions, which generate praise (eg bile acid, quercetin).

• Inhibition of lipid peroxidation: Protects cell membranes from oxidative damage (eg vitamin E, astaksantine).

• Modulation of signaling pathways: Enables NRF2, which increases the production of the body's own antioxidantenzymes, or inhibits NF-κB, which reduces inflammation (eg curcumin, EGCG).

• Epigenetic effects: Affects gene expression by modulating histone acetylation or DNA methylation (eg Curcumin, EGCG).

• Mitochondrial support: Protects mitochondrial membranes and maintains ATP production (eg coenzyme Q10, melatonin).

Bioavailability

Bioavailability is crucial for the effect of antioxidants in the body. For example:

• Curcumin: Has low bioavailability, but the recording can be increased up to 2000 % by simultaneous intake of piperine from black pepper.

• Fat -soluble antioxidants: Carotenoids such as astaksantine and lycopene are better absorbed with fat.

• Polyphenols: Often traded by gut bacteria into active metabolites, which may have different bio -activity.

The 30 most powerful antioxidants in nature

Here is a detailed overview of the 30 most potent antioxidants, ranked by ORAC value, based on data from the CSV file and available sources. For each antioxidant, orac is included, pro-oxidative effect in cancer cells, health effects and available doses where data is available.

1. Hydroxytrosol

   • ORAC value: 6 857 600 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro-oxidative effect: Yes, can induce praise and apoptosis in melanoma and colorectal cancer cells.

   • Health effects: Supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, potential apoptosis in cancer cells.

   • Doses: Available in capsules with 50 mg (MCS formulas) or 100 mg (UNO Vita). Recommended dose: 5–25 mg daily.

2. Dragon's Blood (Croton Lechleri)

   • ORAC value: 2 897 110 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, can induce oxidative stress in cancer cells.

   • Health effects: anti -inflammatory, antimicrobial, traditionally used for wound healing.

   • Doses: Sold as tinctures or creams; Doses vary (10-50 mg for internal use).

3. Astaksantine

   • ORAC value: 2 822 200 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro-oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in breast and prostate cancer cells.

   • Health effects: Protects brain, skin and heart, supporting eye health.

   • Doses: Available in capsules with 4-12 mg; Recommended dose: 4–8 mg daily.

4. Triphala

   • ORAC value: 706 250 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in pancreatic cells.

   • Health effects: supports digestion, anti -inflammatory.

   • Doses: Sold in capsules or powder; Typical doses: 500–1000 mg daily.

5. Coffee Care (Cascara)

   • ORAC value: 343 900 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

   • Health effects: Antioxidant, supports digestion.

   • Doses: common as tea or extract; Doses vary.

6. Sumac

   • ORAC value: 312 400 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

   • Health effects: Cardio protective, anti -inflammatory.

   • Doses: Used as spices; Doses usually 1–5 g daily.

7. Carnation

   • ORAC value: 290 283 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, eugenol can induce praise in cancer cells.

   • Health effects: Anti -inflammatory, antimicrobial, supports digestion.

   • Doses: Used as spices or in capsules; Doses: 100–500 mg daily.

8. Amla (Indian gooseberries)

   • ORAC value: 261 500 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in several cancer cell lines.

   • Health effects: supports the immune system, digestion, rich in vitamin C.

   • Doses: Sold in capsules; Typical doses: 500–1000 mg daily.

9. Sorghum-bran (high tannin)

   • ORAC value: 240,000 µmol tea/100 g

   • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces praise in colon cancer cells.

   • Health effects: Anti -inflammatory, supports heart health.

   • Doses: Used in foods; Doses vary.

10. Oregano

    • ORAC value: 175 295 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in melanoma cells.

    • Health effects: Antimicrobial, supports the immune system.

    • Doses: Sold in capsules or as spices; Doses: 100–500 mg daily.

11. Bacopa

    • ORAC value: 169 800 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells.

    • Health effects: supports cognitive function, anti -inflammatory.

    • Doses: Sold in capsules; Doses: 300–600 mg daily.

12. Rosemary

    • ORAC value: 165 280 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces ROS-induced necrosis in colon cancer cells.

    • Health effects: Neurobic protection, anti -inflammatory.

    • Doses: Used as spices or extract; Doses: 100–500 mg daily.

13. Peppermint leaves

    • ORAC value: 160 820 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: Support digestion, respiratory.

    • Doses: Used as tea or extract; Doses vary.

14. Thyme

    • ORAC value: 157 380 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells.

    • Health effects: Antimicrobial, supports the immune system.

    • Doses: Used as spices or extract; Doses: 100–500 mg daily.

15. Chaga fungus

    • ORAC value: 146 700 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in oral cancer cells.

    • Health effects: supports the immune system, anti -inflammatory.

    • Doses: Sold as powder or capsules; Doses: 500-1500 mg daily.

16. Baobab fruit

    • ORAC value: 140,000 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: supports digestion, antioxidant protection.

    • Doses: Sold as powder; Doses: 5-10 g daily.

17. Cinnamon

    • ORAC value: 131 420 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis via several roads.

    • Health effects: Balances blood sugar, anti -inflammatory.

    • Doses: Used as spices; Doses: 1–3 g daily.

18. Turmeric (Curcumin)

    • ORAC value: 127 068 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro-oxidative effect: Yes, induces apoptosis in several types of cancer.

    • Health effects: Anti -inflammatory, supports joint health.

    • Doses: Available in capsules with 400–800 mg; Recommended dose: 500–1000 mg daily.

19. Black cohosh

    • ORAC value: 126 495 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: Supports hormone balance.

    • Doses: Sold in capsules; Doses: 20-40 mg daily.

20. Vanilla beans

    • ORAC value: 122 400 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces colorectal cancer cells.

    • Health effects: supports digestion, mood.

    • Doses: Used as spices; Doses vary.

21. Sage

    • ORAC value: 119 929 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: Supports cognitive function.

    • Doses: Used as spices or extract; Doses: 100-300 mg daily.

22. Sichuanpeper

    • ORAC value: 118 400 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: supports digestion, antimicrobial.

    • Doses: Used as spices; Doses vary.

23. Grape nucleus extract

    • ORAC value: 108 130 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces praise in bladder cancer cells.

    • Health effects: supports heart health, anti -inflammatory.

    • Doses: Sold in capsules; Doses: 100-300 mg daily.

24. Licorice root

    • ORAC value: 102 945 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: Antioxidant, supports digestion.

    • Doses: Sold as extract; Doses: 100–500 mg daily.

25. Acai

    • ORAC value: 102 700 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: Support brain and heart health.

    • Doses: Sold in capsules or powder; Doses: 500–1000 mg daily.

26. Black sorghum

    • ORAC value: 100 800 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Yes, induces praise in colon cancer cells.

    • Health effects: supports heart health, anti -inflammatory.

    • Doses: Used in foods; Doses vary.

27. All

    • ORAC value: 100 400 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: supports digestion, antimicrobial.

    • Doses: Used as spices; Doses vary.

28. Yaupon Holly

    • ORAC value: 98 700 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: Supports cognitive health.

    • Doses: Used as tea; Doses vary.

29. Chint

    • ORAC value: 96 150 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: supports the immune system, antioxidant.

    • Doses: Sold in capsules or powder; Doses: 500–1000 mg daily.

30. More

    • ORAC value: 92 310 µmol tea/100 g

    • Pro oxidative effect: Limited evidence.

    • Health effects: supports digestion, antioxidant.

    • Doses: Used as spices; Doses vary.

Actions

Antioxidants act on several levels to protect the cells:

• Transfer: Hydroxytrosol and vitamin C donate electrons to free radicals, stabilizing them without damaging biomolecules.

• NRF2 activation: Compounds such as curcumin and EGCG activate NRF2, a transcription factor that increases the production of antioxidantenenzymes such as SOD, catalase and glutation peroxidase.

• NF-κB inhibition: Polyphenols such as resveratrol and quercetin reduce inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB, which regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines.

• Mitochondrial support: Koenzyme Q10 and Melatonin protect mitochondrial membranes and maintain ATP production.

• Epigenetic effects: Curcumin and EGCG can modulate gene expression by inhibiting DNA-methyltransferases and histone-deacetylases, which can affect inflammatory and cancer-related genes.

Bioavailability and practical application

Bioavailability is a key factor for the effectiveness of antioxidants. For example:

• Curcumin: Low bioavailability can be improved by combining with piperine from black pepper, which significantly increases recording.

• Fat -soluble antioxidants: Astaksantine and vitamin E are better absorbed when consumed with greasy meals.

• Polyphenols: Turned by gut bacteria into metabolites that may have different bio -activity.

For practical use, a varied, plant -based diet is recommended rich in fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs. Spices such as cloves, oregano and turmeric can easily be integrated into cooking, while berries such as acai and nip can be added to smoothies or tea. Supplements can be useful in specific cases, but high-dose supplements should be used with caution, as they can disrupt the redox balance or affect the effect of cancer treatments.

Disclaimer and reservation

The information in this article is based on available research and is not intended as medical advice. Antioxidants and supplements should not replace conventional treatment. Always consult a qualified health care provider before use, especially for underlying health problems or medicines. Uno Vita does not claim to cure, prevent or treat diseases. Pregnant women, breastfeeding or people during medical treatment should consult a doctor before use. The products should be kept inaccessible to children.

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Uno Vita reserves the right to share publicly available research on health and wellness technologies in accordance with:

• UN Human Rights (1948), Article 19: The Right to Freedom of Statement and Freedom of Expression.

• The International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (1966), Article 19: The freedom to apply, receive and disseminate information.

• Norwegian Constitution § 100: Protection of freedom of speech.

• US First Amendment: Protection of freedom of speech against state intervention.

This article is an expression of freedom of speech and aims to contribute to public information on nutrition and health.

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