An enzyme that “captures” oxygen free radicals (oxygen atoms bearing an extra electron) e.g., which are generated within an occluded (closed off) blood vessel. Oxygen free radicals are generated within occluded blood vessels when a blood clot blocks arteries in the heart, causing a heart attack. These oxygen free radicals are highly energized and can cause damage to blood vessel walls after the clot is dissolved (e.g., with tissue plasminogen activator), so hSOD may profitably be administered in conjunction with clot-dissolving pharmaceuticals to minimize damage when occluded arteries are reopened.
Research indicates that hSOD may help protect elderly patients from the lethal effects of influenza (i.e., the flu), because influenza often causes overproduction of free radicals in the victim’s body. Recent research indicates that hSOD may be made more effective when administered in combination with certain copper/zinc compounds to bolster its efficacy.