Abstract

ANTIAGING POTENTIAL OF MEDICINAL PLANTS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMICALS, CELLULAR SENESCENCE MODULATION MECHANISMS, PHARMACOLOGICAL EVIDENCE, SAFETY EVALUATION, CLINICAL POTENTIAL

Dhananjay, Shiv Kumar Bhardwaj*

ABSTRACT

Background: Aging is a multifactorial biological process characterized by progressive cellular dysfunction, oxidative stress, mitochondrial decline and accumulation of senescent cells. These changes contribute to the onset of age-related disorders. Medicinal plants are a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals with potential to modulate aging mechanisms and improve health span. Purpose: This systematic review aims to evaluate the anti-aging potential of medicinal plants by analysing phytochemical constituents, their mechanisms in modulating cellular senescence pathways and available pharmacological evidence, along with safety and clinical relevance. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review of published literature was conducted, focusing on medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and saponins. Relevant in vitro, in vivo and limited clinical studies were analyzed to assess mechanisms related to oxidative stress reduction, mitochondrial protection, anti-inflammatory activity and apoptosis regulation. Results: Plant-derived phytochemicals demonstrated significant anti-aging effects through multiple mechanisms, including free-radical scavenging, activation of longevity-associated signaling pathways, enhancement of mitochondrial function and suppression of chronic inflammation. Experimental studies in cellular and animal models consistently showed protective effects against aging-related damage. However, variability in plant extract composition, lack of standardization and insufficient clinical validation were identified as key limitations. Conclusions: Medicinal plants possess substantial potential as anti-aging therapeutics due to their multi-targeted mechanisms of action. Nevertheless, further research focusing on standardization, safety evaluation and well-designed clinical trials is essential to translate preclinical findings into effective and reliable plant-based interventions for aging and age-associated diseases.

Keywords: Antiaging activity; Medicinal plants; Cellular senescence; Phytochemicals; Gero protection.