Natural antioxidants are naturally occurring additives intended to delay the oxidative rancidity of the product to make its condition optimal for a longer period, while synthetic antioxidants are prepared artificially by chemical synthesis. Natural antioxidants help prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress. In short, antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. They can be classified as peptides, carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, depending on their chemical nature.
Natural antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables and are divided into three groups: vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. Vitamin C is the most powerful water-soluble, natural antioxidant found in blood plasma. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and vitamin C & vitamin E, may help protect cell damage caused by free radicals. Other naturally occurring antioxidants include phenols, tannins, lignans, and flavonoids. They are used as food additives and also referred to as shelf-life extenders.
“According to the Coherent Market Insights analysis, Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest market share in global natural antioxidants market, owing to rising demand from the neutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry. According to India brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) report, ‘The Best of India in Pharma’ (February 2017), there has been increasing demand for Indian traditional products in foreign markets, as India is the base for natural herbal products.”
Due to the chemical characteristics and structure of natural antioxidants, they are less volatile and more stable at high temperatures. Moreover, natural antioxidants have better anti-oxidative activity as compared to the synthetic antioxidants. Thus, they are widely used in the food and medical industries. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, exhibit a wide range of biological effects, including anticancer, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-aging, & anti-inflammatory. Moreover, they are used as preservatives in the food and cosmetics industries.
Thus, there is an increasing demand for natural antioxidants worldwide, especially due to the increasing awareness among people about the side effects of synthetic antioxidants. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administering (USFDA) has published guidelines to help small companies comply with the labeling of antioxidant products and high potency products. Moreover, health authorities, such as FDA, are giving green signal to the usage of natural antioxidants in food products, unlike synthetic antioxidants, which confront strict regulations.
