RATIONALIZING ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY: CURRENT EVIDENCE, CLINICAL LIMITATIONS AND EMERGING PROSPECTS

ABSTRACT: Antioxidants play a vital therapeutic role by counteracting oxidative stress, a major factor in the development and progression of various chronic and degenerative disorders. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during drug metabolism can disrupt redox homeostasis, causing lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and eventually cell death. Recent studies highlight the antioxidant capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, restore redox balance, and regulate key signalling pathways involved in inflammation, apoptosis, and immune function. Both endogenous and exogenous antioxidants are essential components of the body's defense system against oxidative damage. Natural antioxidants, especially those obtained from plant-based sources, have demonstrated notable potential in enhancing cellular defense mechanisms and promoting overall health. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited bioavailability, dose optimization, and the risk of prooxidant effects at higher concentrations remain unresolved. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms by which antioxidants offer protection against diseases affecting the neurological, gastrointestinal, immune, and integumentary systems. Future directions include the development of targeted antioxidant therapies, nano-based delivery systems, personalized approaches, and combination therapies. Advancing these strategies will be crucial for fully realizing the therapeutic benefits of antioxidants in disease prevention and treatment, thereby improving clinical outcomes and patient safety.