Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress (OS) arises when the balance between the production of oxidants and their removal is disturbed; OS is associated with a wide variety of health disorders. Finding strategies that efficiently reduce OS is an active area of research. Objective: This review summarizes the chemical insights concerning the antioxidant capacity (AOC) of melatonin and related compounds. Method: We consider not only naturally-occurring but also synthetic derivatives. Different chemical routes that may be involved in their AOC are analyzed and some trends in activity are provided. Conclusion: Based on the data gathered so far it can be stated that melatonin and related compounds constitute a chemical family with remarkable protective effects against OS. Their action includes both primary and secondary AOC, and –collectively-they can be considered as multifunctional protectors against OS. Current challenges and future perspectives in this area of research are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 2077-2095 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Current Organic Chemistry |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 20 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2017 |
Keywords
- Antioxidant activity
- Free radical scavenging
- Kinetics
- Metal chelation
- Rate constants
- Reaction mechanisms
- Trends in activity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Organic Chemistry