Despite the original simplicity of its structure, secondary metabolites generated from hydroquinone are extremely rare in nature, especially when compared to other derivatives with which it shares metabolic pathways. Its existence in a prenylated form, however, is significant, particularly in the marine environment, where it is found in a variety of algae and crustaceans. More complicated compounds, such as polycyclic diterpenes with an abietane skeleton, have been discovered on occasion. The presence of the dihydroxy group in the para position confers antioxidant potential in all cases, as it transforms into para-quinones. Natural hydroquinones with antioxidant activities that have been mentioned in the last fifteen years are the topic of this review. Through interactions with enzymes, transcription factors, and other proteins, this activity, which has been demonstrated in vitro, should lead to relevant pharmacological properties, which may be particularly relevant for the prevention of degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, as well as cancer, metabolic, and immune diseases. In conclusion, despite the fact that only a small number of compounds are known as active principles in established medicinal plants, this research has updated the pharmacological potential of hydroquinone derivatives. The following are the highlights of this review: Due to their agonistic interaction with LXR, research on sesquiterpenoid zonarol and analogues (aromatic ene-ynes) in the pharmacology of atherosclerosis is of great value; and (c) prenylhydroquinones with a selective effect on tyrosine nitration or protein carbonylation may be of interest in the control of post-translational protein carbonylation.
