Increased levels of active oxygen species or free radicals can create an oxidative stress. Concentration of free radicals in living cells increases as a result of exposure to environmental stresses that lead to aging, carcinogenesis, and immunodeficiencies in animals, and membrane leakage, senescence, chlorophyll destruction, and decreased photosynthesis in plants. The antioxidative system of higher plants consists of enzymes, low molecular weight compounds (among them peptides, vitamins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, etc.), and integrated detoxification chains. Enzymatic defense in plants include enzymes capable of removing, neutralizing, or scavenging oxy-intermediates. Catalases and superoxide dismutases are the most efficient antioxidant enzymes. Free radicals cause cell damage by a lipid peroxidation mechanism, which results in a blockade of natural antioxidant systems. Application of synthetic antioxidants can assist in coping with oxidative stress. There are very few publications on effects of synthetic antioxidants on plant growth and physiology. One of the examples of such synthetic antioxidant is 2-methyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-5-hydroxybenzimidazole (Ambiol), which substantially promoted growth of agricultural and forestry plant species. Ambiol also demonstrated antitranspirant properties, increasing drought tolerance of conifers and agricultural species. The response of plants to Ambiol is under high genetic control. The identification of genes responsible for the reaction of plants to Ambiol may lead to attempts in genetic engineering of organisms with increased tolerance to oxidative stress. It seems impossible to find a universal scavenger trapping all free radicals active in the organism. However, analysis of the structure–activity relationships in antioxidants can contribute to the search for effective antioxidants.Key words: oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, free radicals, natural and synthetic antioxidants, Ambiol