Pharmacological activity of the drug Antioxidants is due to the complex action of the vitamins contained in it: betakaren, alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid.
Betacarotene has a pronounced antioxidant properties and protects cells from damage by active oxygen and free radicals (fixing the active oxygen, interrupts the chain free radical reactions and protects the macromolecules and biomembranes of the cell from damage, thereby providing an increase in the resistance of the organism to various pathogenic influences). Participates in the process of normal renewal of epithelial tissues. Protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, has an antioxoraphthalmic effect,has a normalizing effect on the formation and function of epithelial tissues and increases their resistance to infections, increases the antitumor resistance of the organism. Partially in the body turns into retinol, necessary for the normal functioning of the retina (provides the transition opsin to rhodopsin - a pigment that provides night vision).
Alfa-tocopherol A fat-soluble vitamin, the function of which remains unclear until the end. As an antioxidant inhibits the development of free radical reactions, it prevents the formation of peroxides damaging cell and subcellular membranes, which is important for the development of the body, the normal function of the nervous and muscular systems. Together with selenium it inhibits the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. acids (a component of the microsomal electron transfer system), prevents hemolysis of erythrocytes. It is a cofactor of some enzyme systems.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is not formed in the human body, but comes only with food.
Pharmacological effects: in quantities significantly exceeding the daily requirement (90 mg), almost no effect, except for the rapid elimination of symptoms of hypo- and avitaminosis (scurvy).
Physiological functions: is a cofactor of some hydroxylation and amidation reactions - transfers electrons to enzymes, providing them with a replacement equivalent. Participates in the reactions of hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues procollagen with the formation of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine (post-translational modification of collagen), the oxidation of the side chains of lysine in proteins with the formation of hydroxytrimethyllysine (during the synthesis of kartonite), the oxidation of pholic acid to folinic, the metabolism of drugs in liver microsomes, and the hydroxylation of dopamine with the formation of noradrenaline. Increases the activity of amidating enzymes involved in the processing of oxytocin, ADH and holitsistokinina.
Participates in steroidogenesis in the adrenal glands.
Restores iron (III) to iron (II) in the intestines, contributing to its absorption.
The main role in the tissues is the participation in the synthesis of collagen, proteoglycans and other organic components of the intercellular substance of the teeth, bones and endothelium of the capillaries.
In low doses (150-250 mg / day inwards) improves the complexing function of deferoxamine in chronic intoxication with preparations of Fe, which leads to increased excretion of the latter.