Pharmaceutical Potentials of Alpine Plants: A Special Reference to Their Antioxidant Properties
摘要
Alpine plants, subjected to harsh environmental conditions like intense temperature extremes, high light intensity, and high winds, have evolved robust antioxidant defense systems to mitigate oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These systems comprise both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Nonenzymatic antioxidants include carotenoids, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, zeaxanthin, and glutathione, while enzymatic antioxidants include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The production of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids, further contributes to alpine plants’ antioxidant capacity. These plants offer a rich source of phytochemicals with potential therapeutic applications in various disorders linked to oxidative stress. This chapter explores the pharmaceutical potential of alpine plants, focusing on their remarkable antioxidant properties. The chapter details the role of alpine plant antioxidants in addressing conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, and fatigue. Specific examples of alpine plants and their bioactive compounds are presented, including Rhodiola rosea, Saussurea lappa, Berberis aristata, and Gentiana lutea. The antioxidant mechanisms of action of these compounds are also discussed in this chapter.