Natural Antioxidants: A Comprehensive Review of Plant, Animal, and Mineral-Derived Sources, Structures, and Mechanisms

Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Amity University Lucknow campus, Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida, 201313, India, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Natural antioxidants play a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing oxidative damage. This comprehensive review explores antioxidants derived from plant, animal, and marine sources, emphasizing their structures, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications. Plant-based antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, are widely studied for their potent free radical scavenging properties. Animal-derived antioxidants, such as enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase) and non-enzymatic compounds (coenzyme Q10, carnosine), contribute to cellular defense against oxidative stress. Marine sources, including algae and seafood-derived bioactives like astaxanthin and fucoidans, provide unique antioxidant properties with promising health benefits. The review also presents comparative insights into the bioavailability, effectiveness, and challenges associated with these natural antioxidants. Understanding their mechanisms and potential applications can aid in developing antioxidant-based therapeutic strategies for aging, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.