ABSTRACT:
An antioxidant can be defined as any substance that when present at low concentrations compared to that of an oxidizable substrate, significantly delays or inhibits the oxidation of that substrate. Antioxidants are capable of stabilizing, or deactivating free radicals before the latter attack cells and biological targets. They are therefore critical for maintaining optimal cellular and systemic health and well-being. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, helps to maintain healthy collagen in the skin, repair damaged tissue, promote healthy teeth and bones, and boost the immune system. Vitamin C is one of the more powerful and well-known antioxidants. Antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid involves a hydrogen transfer rather than an electron transfer. 3-alkyl-ascorbic acids, have been tested as antioxidants and found to be very strong chain-breaking agents with a high affinity for biomembranes. Antioxidant properties of vitamin C is useful in various diseases like Angina, Rashes, Bronchitis, Glaucoma.