Comparative Review on Natural Antioxidants: Resveratrol, Catechins, Lycopene, Astaxanthin, and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are central to aging, inflammation, and chronic disease. Natural antioxidants such as resveratrol, catechins, lycopene, astaxanthin, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play crucial roles in mitigating oxidative stress through direct radical scavenging and indirect modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways including Nrf2, NF-kB, SIRT1, and PPAR. These antioxidants differ in structure, solubility, and mechanistic reach, spanning both hydrophilic and lipophilic compartments. Quantitative comparison based on ORAC and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays reveals a potency order: Astaxanthin> Lycopene >Catechins> Resveratrol > PUFAs. This review integrates mechanistic, biochemical, and clinical evidence to highlight how molecular diversity governs antioxidant efficacy and biological specificity.