The pathways by which UV-C irradiation enhance the antioxidant
potential are not established yet. It is well known
that secondary metabolism is activated together with the enzymatic
antioxidant system. When a hormetic dose of UV-C
irradiation is absorbed by biological material, it can interact
with atoms and molecules, mainly water, producing ROS by
the univalent reduction of O2 in a rapid and controlled manner
(Fig. 2) (Kovacs & Keresztes, 2002).