An insight on superoxide dismutase (SOD) from plants for mammalian health enhancement

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme functional for physiological defense strategies in animals and plants against free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from biotic and abiotic stress. Supplementation of SOD from plants in mammalian diet is a new approach in terms of health improvement against pathological conditions. There is a research gap about the feasibility of including plant-derived SOD in animal diet as health enhancer due to poor bioavailability upon oral administration. Commercially available wheat gliadin encapsulated melon SOD has been proven to enhance mammalian health, but gluten/gliadin intolerance in certain animals and human may limit its marketability. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the sources of SOD from underutilized plants and potential encapsulation of SOD using soluble dietary fibers to be incorporated in animal diet as health enhancing supplements. This review provides a sustainable solution for the development of therapeutic approaches in agricultural industry.