Antioxidant

Nutrients connected to Antioxidant

A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.

• Vitamin EEstablished role

  Vitamin E works as an antioxidant that protects body tissue from free radical damage. Supplements have not shown clear health benefit in trials.

• GlutathioneLab or animal research only

  Glutathione is a natural antioxidant made by the body. This is a chemistry and biology fact; it does not show that supplements prevent disease.

• AstaxanthinPreliminary or mixed

  Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment sold as an antioxidant. In trials it lowered a blood marker of oxidative damage, but that is a lab marker, not a proven health benefit.

• Polyphenols: quercetin and resveratrolLab or animal research only

  Both are antioxidants in lab tests; large trials of antioxidant supplements have found no benefit, and high-dose beta-carotene raised lung cancer risk in smokers (NCCIH), so lab activity is not proof of benefit.

• Vitamin CEstablished role

  Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants. Antioxidant supplements overall showed no clear benefit on dying from any cause.

• SeleniumEstablished role

  The body needs selenium to make antioxidant enzymes. Taking extra selenium has not been shown to lower cancer or heart disease risk.

• Coenzyme Q10Lab or animal research only

  CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant in cells. That does not show a supplement prevents disease or slows ageing.

• Alpha-lipoic acidLab or animal research only

  A 2025 review describes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lab antioxidant activity is not proof that the supplement prevents disease.

• N-acetylcysteineLab or animal research only

  NAC supplies cysteine, which the body uses to make the antioxidant glutathione. In healthy older adults, glycine plus NAC did not raise the main glutathione measure overall. Normal-biology or lab antioxidant activity is not proof that taking NAC as a supplement helps.

• Curcumin (turmeric supplements)Lab or animal research only

  Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity is shown in the laboratory only; this does not prove a supplement helps people.

• Carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopeneLab or animal research only

  Carotenoids neutralise free radicals in laboratory settings. That does not show that taking them as supplements prevents disease; large trials of beta-carotene found harm in smokers.

• Green tea extract and EGCGLab or animal research only

  Green tea catechins are strong antioxidants in the laboratory. That does not show that taking extract prevents disease.

• Grape seed extract and pine bark extract (oligomeric proanthocyanidins, OPC)Lab or animal research only

  The compounds act as antioxidants in the lab and raised a blood antioxidant marker in preliminary studies; that does not prove a health benefit from supplements.

• Beta-caroteneLab or animal research only

  Beta-carotene is grouped with antioxidants in laboratory terms. That does not show that supplements prevent disease; trials found harm in some groups.

• MangosteenDocumented risk

  MSK says antioxidant effects may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation, so the antioxidant activity is mainly a caution for people in cancer treatment.

• Shaggy bracketLab or animal research only

  Its yellow polyphenols, hispidin and hispolon, scavenge free radicals in test-tube studies. No human study shows an antioxidant effect from the mushroom.

• Korean Sanghuang (Sanghuangporus baumii)Lab or animal research only

  Styrylpyrones scavenged free radicals in test-tube tests; this does not show an antioxidant benefit in people.

• CopperEstablished role

  Copper is part of the body's own antioxidant defence. This does not mean copper supplements act as an antioxidant in people with adequate intake.

• CalendulaLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity is reported in lab and animal studies only.

• AmlaLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity is reported in laboratory and animal studies of the fruit; this is not proof of human benefit.

• Black seedLab or animal research only

  Lab and animal studies describe antioxidant effects. This has not been shown to benefit people.

• ChickweedLab or animal research only

  A review lists antioxidant activity of extracts in the lab; this has not been shown in people.

• BilberryLab or animal research only

  Bilberry is rich in anthocyanins with antioxidant activity in laboratory research; this is not proof of benefit in people.

• Devil's clawLab or animal research only

  A review of lab studies reports antioxidant activity of the plant; no human benefit has been shown.

• SchisandraLab or animal research only

  Lab and animal studies suggest antioxidant effects; this has not been shown to matter in people.

• CleaversLab or animal research only

  In laboratory tests a cleavers infusion and extract neutralised free-radical test chemicals. This has not been shown in people.

• Witch hazelLab or animal research only

  Bark tannins scavenged free radicals in the lab. This has not been shown to benefit people.

• Yerba matePreliminary or mixed

  A 2023 review reported antioxidant effects in different groups, but most studies had a high risk of bias and certainty ranged from moderate to very low.

• ForsythiaLab or animal research only

  Extracts scored well in test-tube antioxidant assays; the authors say in vivo work is needed.

• Reishi (lingzhi)Lab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity is reported in the lab, and one 42-person crossover trial saw better antioxidant blood markers. This is not proof of benefit for any condition.

• CordycepsLab or animal research only

  Test-tube antioxidant activity of extracts; cordycepin and adenosine themselves were not antioxidant in the same study.

• ChagaLab or animal research only

  Chaga extracts show antioxidant activity in laboratory tests. Seen in laboratory and animal studies only; no human trial found.

• MaitakeLab or animal research only

  USDA lists ergothioneine and glutathione in maitake as a food; an antioxidant role in people from eating or supplementing is not shown.

• Oyster mushroomLab or animal research only

  Ergothioneine and polyphenols were measured in oyster mushroom and act as antioxidants in the lab; no human benefit outcome shown.

• King oyster mushroomLab or animal research only

  King oyster contains ergothioneine (23.6 mg per 100 g raw) and glutathione (15.7 mg per 100 g) by USDA measurement. These are antioxidant compounds in the food; a health effect from eating it was not shown in the sources we read.

• Button, cremini and portobello mushroomLab or animal research only

  Ergothioneine is a dietary antioxidant taken up after eating A. bisporus, but no health outcome was shown and one antioxidant-capacity reading fell.

• Almond mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens)Lab or animal research only

  Laboratory assays on extracts of dried mushroom show antioxidant activity that varies with strain and growing method; this is not evidence of an effect in the body.

• TremellaLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity is reported in laboratory tests; it does not show an effect in people.

• Mulberry leafLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant compounds are found in the leaves in lab studies; no human benefit is shown.

• AgarikonLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity was measured in a laboratory study; this does not show a body benefit.

• Red-Belted ConkLab or animal research only

  Extracts neutralise test radicals in laboratory assays. This has not been tested in people.

• EnokiLab or animal research only

  Enoki contains ergothioneine and glutathione, and extracts show antioxidant activity in the lab; a benefit in people is unproven.

• Cauliflower mushroomLab or animal research only

  Hanabiratakelides scavenged free radicals in the lab; no human antioxidant outcome was found.

• Phellinus and SanghuangLab or animal research only

  Radical-scavenging and raised antioxidant enzymes in the lab; does not show a benefit in people.

• Poria (fu ling)Lab or animal research only

  Reviews report antioxidant activity of poria extracts in the lab; no human benefit shown.

• NamekoLab or animal research only

  Some nameko preparations scavenged free radicals in test-tube and cell experiments; one extract study found no strong effect. This does not show an effect in people.

• Camu camuPreliminary or mixed

  The fruit is very rich in vitamin C and one small trial found lower oxidative stress markers; no larger or longer trials were read.

• GuayusaLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity in lab assays; no human benefit shown.

• PunarnavaLab or animal research only

  Authors of rat kidney studies link the protective effect to antioxidant activity; this is lab and animal work only.

• BaelLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity in lab assays; not shown to matter in people.

• AjwainLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity of the seed oil in the laboratory only.

• Houttuynia (yu xing cao)Lab or animal research only

  Reviews list antioxidant activity from laboratory work.

• PorciniLab or animal research only

  Porcini is a rich food source of ergothioneine and contains phenolic compounds, and extracts showed antioxidant activity in lab work. This does not show an antioxidant benefit from eating it.

• Black trumpetLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant scores in chemical tests only; not shown in people.

• Pioppino (black poplar mushroom)Lab or animal research only

  Extracts and compounds scavenge free radicals in laboratory tests; no human outcome has been shown.

• Culinary trufflesLab or animal research only

  Extracts show free-radical scavenging in test-tube assays. No human trial shows a benefit from eating truffles.

• Beech mushroomLab or animal research only

  Weak free-radical scavenging in a chemical test; ergothioneine and glutathione measured in the food. No health effect shown.

• Hedgehog mushroomLab or animal research only

  Extracts show antioxidant activity in test-tube assays; there is no human evidence that eating the mushroom changes oxidative stress.

• Paddy straw mushroomLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity is reported in lab tests of extracts; no human trial shows a benefit.

• King strophariaLab or animal research only

  Purified polysaccharides scavenged free radicals in test tubes. A test-tube result does not show an effect in people.

• ShankhpushpiLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity found in lab tests; the Convolvulus plant showed fewer antioxidant markers than other plants sold as shankhpushpi.

• Honey mushroomLab or animal research only

  Extracts and a polysaccharide from Armillaria species showed antioxidant effects in lab tests only.

• KokumLab or animal research only

  Garcinol and anthocyanins showed antioxidant activity in lab and animal studies; no human evidence.

• Birch polyporeLab or animal research only

  Extracts neutralise free radicals in chemical tests; this does not show a benefit in people.

• Artist's conkLab or animal research only

  Extracts of the conk neutralised test radicals in the lab. This is test-tube evidence only.

• Tinder conkLab or animal research only

  Extracts scavenge test radicals in the lab. No human evidence.

• Antrodia camphorataLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity in lab tests.

• Zhu ling (polyporus)Lab or animal research only

  Radical-scavenging by the polysaccharide in the lab.

• Hemlock reishiLab or animal research only

  In rat brain and in cells, hemlock reishi extracts raised antioxidant enzymes or lowered oxidative markers. Animal and cell work only.

• False tinder conk (willow bracket)Lab or animal research only

  Extract scavenged radicals and protected cells in the lab; no human antioxidant outcome.

• Cicada cordycepsLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity in test-tube assays and raised antioxidant enzymes in mice.

• Coral toothLab or animal research only

  Polysaccharide extract scavenged free radicals in test tubes; no human data.

• BlewitLab or animal research only

  Extracts show free-radical scavenging in test tubes; no human data.

• Saffron milk capLab or animal research only

  Extracts show antioxidant activity in test-tube and cell assays; there is no human evidence that eating the mushroom changes oxidative stress.

• LungwortLab or animal research only

  Phenolic-rich extracts showed antioxidant activity in laboratory assays only.

• St George's mushroomLab or animal research only

  Four test-tube assays suggest antioxidant activity; this does not show an effect in people.

• Field mushroomLab or animal research only

  Extracts show antioxidant activity in test-tube assays; there is no human evidence that eating the mushroom changes oxidative stress.

• Pink peppercornLab or animal research only

  Leaf extracts of Schinus terebinthifolius showed antioxidant activity in lab work only; no human evidence found.

• Bay boleteLab or animal research only

  Dried bay bolete extracts showed antioxidant activity in laboratory tests. This does not show an antioxidant benefit from eating it.

• Slippery jackLab or animal research only

  Extracts are antioxidant in laboratory tests; no human evidence that eating or taking it has an antioxidant benefit.

• Elm oyster mushroomLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity of fruiting-body and mycelium extracts in chemical tests and rodents; no human outcome tested.

• Bamboo mushroomLab or animal research only

  Extracts scavenge radicals in test tubes and raise antioxidant enzymes in rodents; no human data.

• Sheep polyporeLab or animal research only

  Two compounds from the mushroom out-scored vitamin E in a test-tube assay; not tested in people.

• AllspiceLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity is seen in lab tests only; it is not shown to help in people.

• VanillaLab or animal research only

  In lab tests pure vanillin acted as both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant, depending on the test. This has not been shown for vanilla in food.

• Hairy wood earLab or animal research only

  Extracts and ergosterol were antioxidant in laboratory tests; this does not show an effect from eating the mushroom.

• Star aniseLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity is described in laboratory and animal studies only.

• Pine boleteLab or animal research only

  Pine bolete showed antioxidant activity in test-tube assays; this does not show an effect in people.

• Tiger milk mushroomLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity in test-tube assays; a lab value does not show a health effect.

• Annatto (achiote)Lab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity of purified bixin is described in lab models only; clinical use is limited by absorption. No human benefit from eating annatto is shown.

• Purple reishiLab or animal research only

  Meroterpenoids protected human liver cells from hydrogen-peroxide damage in dishes; an extract protected flies from oxidative insults. No human result.

• Black seed (nigella)Lab or animal research only

  MSK describes antioxidant activity of thymoquinone in animal models; not shown in people.

• King tuber mushroomLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant compounds and lab antioxidant tests; no health effect shown in people.

• Golden reishiLab or animal research only

  Extracts of cultured mycelium and a wild fruiting body scored on antioxidant tests. Test-tube scores only.

• Beefsteak fungusLab or animal research only

  Extracts of the fruiting body scavenged radicals in test tubes; this has not been tested in people.

• Tangerine peel (chen pi)Lab or animal research only

  The peel contains flavonoids with antioxidant activity in the lab. This has not been shown to benefit people.

• Birch boleteLab or animal research only

  Dried birch bolete extracts showed antioxidant activity in laboratory tests. This does not show an antioxidant benefit from eating it.

• Ajwain (carom seed)Lab or animal research only

  Seed oil and extracts showed antioxidant activity in lab tests; this does not show benefit in people.

• Grape seed extractLab or animal research only

  Marketed for antioxidant properties; MSK mentions raised blood antioxidant activity only as an early finding, not a health outcome.

• Bailing mushroomLab or animal research only

  Water extracts reduced oxidative stress in cultured human skin cells in the lab; not shown in people.

• White truffleLab or animal research only

  Extracts of white truffle showed antioxidant activity in laboratory assays only; no human trial exists.

• SumacLab or animal research only

  Reviews describe antioxidant activity in laboratory and animal work; this does not show a benefit in people.

• Caesar's mushroomLab or animal research only

  Extracts show antioxidant activity in test-tube assays; no human data.

• PaprikaLab or animal research only

  The red pigment capsanthin shows antioxidant activity in the lab. A 2026 review says human evidence is insufficient.

• Shaggy parasolLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity was seen in test-tube assays only; no human data.

• Hairy bracketLab or animal research only

  Extracts scavenged a test radical in the laboratory; no human or animal evidence was found.

• Resinous polyporeLab or animal research only

  A purified polysaccharide showed antioxidant activity in test tubes and cell models only; nothing in animals or people was found.

• Mossy maze polyporeLab or animal research only

  Culture-liquid fractions scavenged free radicals in chemical tests (ABTS, DPPH). This is not shown to protect people.

• Blushing bracketLab or animal research only

  Extracts scavenged a test radical in the laboratory; no human or animal evidence was found.

• African potatoLab or animal research only

  The gut-converted compound rooperol is antioxidant in lab studies. No human evidence of benefit was found.

• Mustard yellow polyporeLab or animal research only

  Extract neutralised lab radicals in test-tube assays; no human evidence.

• Perilla (shiso)Lab or animal research only

  Polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid have antioxidant activity in lab work; human benefit not shown.

• Japanese knotweed (hu zhang)Lab or animal research only

  Reviews report antioxidant activity of knotweed compounds in the lab; this has not been shown to help people.

• GooseberriesLab or animal research only

  Gooseberry extracts show antioxidant activity in the lab; this is not proof of benefit in people.

• OrangesLab or animal research only

  MedlinePlus describes vitamin C as an antioxidant; we read no trial showing that eating oranges prevents disease through this.

• Mandarins & TangerinesLab or animal research only

  Flavonoids and carotenoids show antioxidant activity in the lab; human benefit from the fruit is not shown.

• PeachesLab or animal research only

  Phenols and antioxidant activity were measured in peach purees in the lab; no human trial was found.

• NectarinesLab or animal research only

  Phenolic and antioxidant levels were measured in nectarine and peach cultivars in the lab; no human evidence found.

• ApricotsLab or animal research only

  Apricots contain carotenoids with antioxidant behaviour in the lab; we read no human trial showing a health effect.

• ApplesLab or animal research only

  Reviews describe antioxidant effects of apple polyphenols, largely from lab and animal work.

• MangoLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity of mango compounds is mostly shown in the lab; human benefit is not shown by these findings.

• PineappleLab or animal research only

  Bromelain shows antioxidant effects in lab and animal studies; clinical data are limited.

• WatercressPreliminary or mixed

  A 2025 systematic review of 7 trials found most antioxidant markers improved; trials were short.

• LycheeLab or animal research only

  A 2020 review reports antioxidant activity from lychee polyphenols and polysaccharides in lab and animal studies only.

• Chinese five-spiceLab or animal research only

  One lab measure found clove was the main contributor to the blend's antioxidant capacity. This is not a result in people.

• Cornflower (bachelor's button)Lab or animal research only

  Flower extracts show antioxidant activity in laboratory tests only; no human benefit was shown.

• Desert truffleLab or animal research only

  Extracts act as antioxidants in chemical tests and in one mouse study. No human evidence.

• KokumLab or animal research only

  Extracts show antioxidant activity in lab and animal studies.

• WatercressPreliminary or mixed

  Antioxidant markers improved in most short trials reviewed; effect on health outcomes is not shown.

• Chicory, Endive & RadicchioLab or animal research only

  Lab studies of escarole and chicory compounds show antioxidant activity in test tubes and cells; no human trials of the leaves were found.

• Milky mushroomLab or animal research only

  Extracts scavenged free radicals in tests and raised antioxidant enzymes in aged mice; no human data.

• Cubeb pepperLab or animal research only

  Lab studies report antioxidant activity of extracts. This does not show a benefit in people.

• Lumpy bracketLab or animal research only

  Extracts scavenged a test radical in the laboratory; the polysaccharide fraction was weak. Test-tube result only.

• Golden thread cordycepsLab or animal research only

  The extract scavenged free radicals in treated cells; no human data.

• Indian bay leaf (tej patta)Lab or animal research only

  Extracts were active in lab antioxidant tests; this does not show a benefit in people.

• Daikon RadishLab or animal research only

  Vitamin C and glucosinolate breakdown products have lab antioxidant activity; benefit from eating daikon in people was not shown.

• TurnipsLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity of turnip compounds is described in lab studies; human benefit from eating turnips is not shown.

• Bell PeppersLab or animal research only

  A review describes pepper carotenoids as fat-soluble antioxidants, with evidence mainly from lab and animal work.

• Eggplant (Aubergine)Lab or animal research only

  Nasunin from the peel scavenged free radicals and bound iron in laboratory tests. No human trial was found.

• Ground elder (goutweed)Lab or animal research only

  Extracts show antioxidant activity in laboratory tests; this does not show a health benefit in people.

• Butternut SquashLab or animal research only

  Beta-carotene is described as an antioxidant; specific effects shown only in lab studies, and supplements did not reduce cancer.

• Sweet CornLab or animal research only

  Heated sweet corn showed higher antioxidant activity in the lab; this is not shown in people.

• Globe ArtichokesLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant capacity measured in the lab, rising after cooking; not shown in people.

• Nopales (Prickly Pear Pads)Lab or animal research only

  Cladode polyphenols show antioxidant activity in the lab; human benefit is not shown.

• Black cardamomLab or animal research only

  Extracts show antioxidant activity in lab and animal studies only.

• Dried black lime (loomi)Lab or animal research only

  Dried lime extracts scored as antioxidant in lab tests; no study in people was read.

• Dyer's polyporeLab or animal research only

  Hispidin-type compounds from the fruiting body scavenged lab radicals in test-tube assays; no human evidence.

• ChestnutsLab or animal research only

  Chestnut phenolics and tannins show antioxidant activity in laboratory studies; human outcomes are not shown.

• Lotus SeedsLab or animal research only

  Reviews describe antioxidant activity of lotus seed polyphenols and extracts in the lab.

• BeechnutsLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity was measured in lab tests of roasted beechnut spreads; no human evidence.

• AcornsLab or animal research only

  Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were measured in acorns in lab tests; no human evidence.

• Tigernuts (Chufa)Lab or animal research only

  Phenolic content and antioxidant activity were measured in the lab, highest in the peel.

• PlumsLab or animal research only

  Phenolics and anthocyanins measured in plums have antioxidant activity in the laboratory; human benefit is not shown.

• Palmarosa OilLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity in lab assays only.

• Green TeaLab or animal research only

  Catechins are antioxidants in laboratory studies; the Cochrane cancer review notes this but finds no reliable human benefit.

• MatchaLab or animal research only

  A review attributes matcha's antioxidant potential to catechins in laboratory work; that is not human benefit.

• Kuding Tea (Bitter Tea)Lab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity reported in lab and animal work only.

• Yaupon TeaLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity was shown in the lab and in cultured cells only.

• Chrysanthemum TeaLab or animal research only

  Reviews and a test-tube study report antioxidant activity of chrysanthemum compounds and infusions. This is lab research, not proof for people.

• Rose TeaLab or animal research only

  Lab tests of rose petal extracts show antimutagenic and antioxidant properties; no human effect from the tea was shown.

• Rose Hip TeaLab or animal research only

  Reviews describe antioxidant activity of rose hip preparations in the lab; clinical effects not established.

• Spikenard OilLab or animal research only

  The essential oil showed antioxidant activity in test-tube assays only.

• Clove TeaLab or animal research only

  Reviews describe antioxidant effects of clove extracts and eugenol in the lab. No human tea study was found.

• Rice Bran OilLab or animal research only

  Gamma-oryzanol has antioxidant activity mostly shown in the lab; the oil itself also oxidizes quickly in storage tests.

• Grapeseed OilLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity is reported in lab studies; human benefit not shown.

• Tomato JuicePreliminary or mixed

  In a small study, LDL resisted oxidation 13% more after a high-tomato diet; this is a lab marker in people.

• Prune JuiceLab or animal research only

  Prune juice extract slowed LDL oxidation in a test tube; this has not been shown in people.

• Japanese GinsengLab or animal research only

  Shown only in cells or animals; no human trial found. Findings in cells and animals often do not carry over to people.

• Vietnamese Ginseng (Ngoc Linh)Lab or animal research only

  Root extracts showed antioxidant effects in zebrafish and animal models; lab work only.

• ZamanihaLab or animal research only

  A 2014 review lists antioxidant activity from experiments; no human data found.

• Cynomorium (Suo Yang)Lab or animal research only

  Reviews describe antioxidant activity of flavonoids and polysaccharides in the laboratory.

• DunaliellaLab or animal research only

  Antioxidant effects were seen in cell and animal work; human proof of benefit is missing.

• FucoxanthinLab or animal research only

  Described in lab and animal studies; no human outcome shown.

• Phycocyanin (Blue Spirulina)Lab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity seen in cells and animals only.

• Black Salt (Kala Namak)Lab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity seen in vitro in one lab study; no human evidence.

• Sidr HoneyLab or animal research only

  Chemical lab tests show antioxidant activity; this has not been shown to matter in people.

• Marine Collagen (Fish)Lab or animal research only

  Antioxidant activity of marine collagen peptides was shown in laboratory tests; no human benefit is shown.

Explore all vitamins → · Minerals → · Amino acids → · Omega fatty acids → · Antioxidants → · Gut supplements → · Nootropics → · Herbs →