Roles of Meditation on Alleviation of Oxidative Stress and Improvement of Antioxidant System

Chitrawina Mahagita PhD*

Affiliation : * Department of Physiology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand

According to MEDLINE/Pubmed search to December 2009, the modulation effects of meditation on oxidative stress have been increasingly investigated for acute, short and long term effects. Both invasive and noninvasive measurements have been utilized. Long term transcendental and Zen meditators have been showed to diminish oxidative stress seen by a reduction of lipid peroxidation and biophoton emission. Glutathione level and activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) have been facilitated in Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya practitioners. One year of Tai Chi training has been reported to promote superoxide dismutase activity and lessen lipid peroxidation. Performing diaphragmatic breathing after exhaustive exercise has attenuated oxidative stress faster than control. These data suggest possible roles of meditation and meditation-based techniques on the decrease of oxidative stress which may assist to prevent and/or alleviate deterioration of related diseases. However, further research needs to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms which remain challenge to accomplish.

Keywords : Meditation, Mind-body intervention, Oxidative stress, Antioxidant, Free radicals

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