## 1 Introduction  
In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in the field of free radicals' chemistry since these compounds are capable of causing a variety of human diseases [1]. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons in their outer orbitals. They oxidize or, in some cases, reduce other atoms by accepting or donating electrons [2]. The electron transport chain of the mitochondria during aerobic respiration is the primary source of free radicals in the human body [3]. External sources of free radicals include cigarette smoke, environmental pollutants, radiation, and industrial solvents [4]. Free radicals react with macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids, causing oxidative stress in the body. Diseases like diabetes, heart disease, atherosclerosis, and liver disease become more prominent. Free radicals cause irreversible damage to essential macromolecular targets like DNA, which can lead to cancer [5]. As a result, free radical concentrations are regulated by a number of defense mechanisms, including detoxifying enzymes and antioxidants [6]. An antioxidant is a molecule that is stable enough to donate an electron to a free radical and neutralize it, reducing its ability to cause damage. A healthy balance of free radicals and antioxidants is required for proper physiological function. Antioxidants can interact with free radicals safely and stop the chain reaction before vital molecules are harmed [7]. Some of these antioxidants, which include glutathione, ubiquinol, and uric acid, are produced by the body during normal metabolism. Although the body has several enzyme systems that scavenge free radicals, using antioxidants from outside sources can also help in dealing with oxidative stress [8]. Antioxidants, both synthetic and natural, are widely used in food and medicine. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are two common examples of synthetic antioxidants. However, some physical properties of BHT and BHA, such as their high volatility and instability at elevated temperatures, strict legislation on the use of synthetic food additives, the carcinogenic nature of some synthetic antioxidants, and consumer preferences, have shifted manufacturers' attention from synthetic antioxidants to natural antioxidants [9]. Plants are the primary source of natural antioxidants as they contain a variety of enzymatic systems that catalyze antioxidant reactions. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpen are examples of phytochemicals that can act as reducing agents [10]. As a result, the demand and search for new plants high in these natural antioxidants, especially as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants, is ongoing worldwide. Mauritius harbours a plethora of endemic plants that have received little to no attention in terms of their antioxidant potential. There are currently about 600 plant species, with 277 being endemic to the island and 147 exclusively found in the Mascarene Islands. The high demand for antioxidants coupled with the increasing interest in Mauritian endemic plants makes the exploration of the island's flora for potential antioxidants a quest of much importance. The Monimiaceae family has long been known for its traditional medicine applications, and it has proven to be a rich source of chemically diverse specialized metabolites with numerous potent biological and therapeutical properties. Their phytochemistry and pharmacology have recently expanded, albeit to varying degrees. According to previous research, there are approximately 93 components, 35 of which are undescribed compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and homogentisic acid derivatives. Furthermore, anticancer, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiviral, and antibacterial activities of pure isolated compounds have been demonstrated [11]. Aside from providing new and important perspectives for the management of various diseases, the chemical and biological diversity of the isolated compounds opens up promising avenues of research and contributes to renewed interest in this family.