Cellular Oxidation

The process of oxidation in the human body damages cell membranes and other structures including cellular proteins, lipids and DNA. When oxygen is metabolized, it creates 'free radicals' which steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage. Skin aging is also reported to be associated with free radical formations. When skin is exposed to UV light, it results in the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) system (Herrling et al., 2006). ROS including free radicals such as superoxide anion radical (O₂^-), hydroxyl radical (OH-) and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, are active oxygen compounds that are often generated by biological oxidation reactions with exogenous factors (Cerutti, 1991). ROS not only associated with lipid peroxidation, which leads to the deterioration of food, but also involved in the development of a variety of health problems including cellular ageing, mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration (Manosroi et al., 2014). Also, the oxidative stress cause collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, which is associated with many age-related diseases (Salminen et al., 2012; Facecchia et al., 2011). Free radicals also lead to the development of cross-linkage between collagen fibres in the dermal component of the skin (Mathen et al., 2014).

Formation of free radicals 

Free radical scavenging compounds could also be used as a cosmetic ingredient to relieve skin aging (Tanaka, et al., 2004). Various studies have been made for the anti-oxidation of different natural and synthetic compounds. Although all compounds have the free radical scavenging activities, they induce some side effects. So, there is emergence of isolation of new natural compound for anti-oxidation having no side effects.