Introduction to basic principles of antioxidant activity

This chapter examines the reasons for the intense interest in oxidative processes and by extension in antioxidants. Ironically, the interest in antioxidants probably exceeds that in the oxidative process itself, and yet the latter is fundamental to activity. Indeed, the ultimate answers to antioxidant activity lie in a better understanding of oxidation and its mechanisms. The chapter introduces the concepts associated with antioxidants – what is an antioxidant, how does a compound function as an antioxidant, the importance of reaction mechanisms and kinetics and thermodynamics. The chapter concludes with an examination of antioxidant literature and what can be learned from antioxidant bibliometrics.