Antioxidant Effects of Some Medicinal Plants (Labiatae Family)

Abstract

Introduction: Unsaturated fatty acids , one of the most important components of biological membranes , are very sensitive to oxidation processes. Damage to cells and tissues by oxidation of these kinds of acids is one of the most important contributing factors in many diseases, such as, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. There are some available antioxidant synthetic compounds in market, but because of their side effects (toxic effects), they have not been used as antioxidant drug for now. Medicinal plants, as the main natural sources of polyphenolic compounds, are interested for their antioxidant effects. The aim of this study is to examine the antioxidant effescts of some medicinal plants (of labiatae family) which are native to Iran.