Antioxidant Potential of Avicennia marina: A Review

Abstract

Oxidative stress caused by excessive Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) accumulation contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, driving interest in natural antioxidant sources. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., the most widely distributed mangrove species across the Indo-Pacific, accumulates high concentrations of secondary metabolites as adaptive responses to extreme environmental conditions. This narrative review aims to consolidate the scientific evidence on the antioxidant potential of A. marina across plant parts, identify key bioactive contributors, and evaluate the influence of extraction methods. Literature was retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar (2013-2025). The findings indicate that antioxidant activity varies significantly across plant parts and solvent polarities, with ethyl acetate extracts consistently demonstrating the highest capacity. Phenylethanoid glycosides (acteoside, cistanoside F, and jionoside C) were key contributors, showing a significant correlation with DPPH activity (ρ = 0,949; p = 0,014). In vivo studies confirmed that the Nrf2 pathway is the primary mechanism for enhancing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Despite its potential, gaps remain in bioactive bioavailability and human clinical trials. Future research should prioritize the standardization of extracts for therapeutic applications.