Antioxidant Effects on Reactive Oxygen Species
Antioxidant Effects on Reactive Oxygen Species
Abstract
Antioxidants are among key molecules for a healthy living. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent damage of cells through inhibition of oxidizing agents such as free radicals. This experiment was aimed at investigating the role of antioxidant on the inhibition of reactive oxygen species. To demonstrate this, quercetin was used as antioxidant and its effect on reactive oxygen species examined. RAW 264.7 cells were used as the test object. The results were obtained using Cytofluor II plate reader at both excitation 485nm and emission wavelength of 530nm. The results show how quercetin is able to reduce reactive oxygen species to non-harmful level. This shows its role as an antioxidant in human cells. This experiment was successful and the aim of the experiment was achieved without challenges. It was now clear how antioxidants functions to prevent diseases such as cancer that are caused by reactive free radicals such as oxygen species.
Introduction
Quercetin is a flavonoid that is derived from plants and plants products which has antioxidant property (International Society on Oxygen Transport to Tissue, & LaManna, 2011). It is found in citrus fruits, buck wheat, and onions. Due to its antioxidant activities, it is commonly used in treatment and prevention of diseases such as cancer. Quercetin mechanism of action is through promotion of antioxidant defense system through inhibition of lipid oxidation rather than protecting cells (Choi, 2010).
Reactive oxygen species or active oxygen species are oxygen that is more energetic compared to the normal molecular oxygen. They are unstable and are formed either through loss of electrons or addition of protons. For example super peroxide anion (O2.-) and protonated per hydroxyl radical (H2 O2-), hydrogen peroxide, H2 O2 and hydroxyl radical OH. (Smirnoff, 2007). . When these species are in the body, they become threats to cells
Abstract
Antioxidants are among key molecules for a healthy living. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent damage of cells through inhibition of oxidizing agents such as free radicals. This experiment was aimed at investigating the role of antioxidant on the inhibition of reactive oxygen species. To demonstrate this, quercetin was used as antioxidant and its effect on reactive oxygen species examined. RAW 264.7 cells were used as the test object. The results were obtained using Cytofluor II plate reader at both excitation 485nm and emission wavelength of 530nm. The results show how quercetin is able to reduce reactive oxygen species to non-harmful level. This shows its role as an antioxidant in human cells. This experiment was successful and the aim of the experiment was achieved without challenges. It was now clear how antioxidants functions to prevent diseases such as cancer that are caused by reactive free radicals such as oxygen species.
Introduction
Quercetin is a flavonoid that is derived from plants and plants products which has antioxidant property (International Society on Oxygen Transport to Tissue, & LaManna, 2011). It is found in citrus fruits, buck wheat, and onions. Due to its antioxidant activities, it is commonly used in treatment and prevention of diseases such as cancer. Quercetin mechanism of action is through promotion of antioxidant defense system through inhibition of lipid oxidation rather than protecting cells (Choi, 2010).
Reactive oxygen species or active oxygen species are oxygen that is more energetic compared to the normal molecular oxygen. They are unstable and are formed either through loss of electrons or addition of protons. For example super peroxide anion (O2.-) and protonated per hydroxyl radical (H2 O2-), hydrogen peroxide, H2 O2 and hydroxyl radical OH. (Smirnoff, 2007). . When these species are in the body, they become threats to cells