ABSTRACT
Prooxidants refers to biological active compounds capable of inducing oxidative stress by either enhancing the generation of ROS or by inhibiting antioxidant systems. Phytochemicals are commonly known for their positive identity but least is known about their prooxidant characteristics. For example, the well-known vitamin C with a powerful antioxidant function has since been implicated as prooxidants because they reduce metallic ions which lead to the generation of free radicals through the Fenton reaction. Little research has been conducted on these characteristics of phytochemicals. Prooxidant characteristics of phytochemicals potentially lead to oxidative stress manifested in degenerative disorders among other ailments, but they are also important in the healing and/prevention of the same particularly when in the right equilibrium with antioxidants in the right timing and environments. This chapter has included some selected mechanisms and methods in the determination of prooxidant activities and system balance for phytochemicals.
