Volume 44, Issue 9 e13394
REVIEW

Concept, mechanism, and applications of phenolic antioxidants in foods

Alam Zeb

Corresponding Author

Alam Zeb

Department of Biochemistry, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Correspondence

Alam Zeb, Department of Biochemistry, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Email: [email protected]

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First published: 20 July 2020
Citations: 537

Abstract

In this review, the concept of phenolic antioxidants, mechanisms of action, and applications have been reviewed. Phenolic compounds (PCs) acts as an antioxidant by reacting with a variety of free radicals. The mechanism of antioxidant actions involved either by hydrogen atom transfer, transfer of a single electron, sequential proton loss electron transfer, and chelation of transition metals. In foods, the PCs act as antioxidants which are measured with several in vitro spectroscopic methods. The PCs have been found in milk and a wide range of dairy products with sole purposes of color, taste, storage stability, and quality enhancement. The role of PCs in three types of food additives, that is, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and flavoring agents have been critically reviewed. The literature revealed that PCs present in a variety of foods possess several health benefits such as antibacterial, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, antioxidants, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic properties.

Practical applications

Phenolic compounds are strong antioxidants and are safer than synthetic antioxidants. The wide occurrence in plant foods warranted continuous review applications. This review, therefore, presented an updated comprehensive overview of the concept, mechanism, and applications of phenolic antioxidants in foods.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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