Advances in Plant Polysaccharides as Antiaging Agents: Effects and Signaling Mechanisms

Abstract

Aging refers to the gradual physiological changes that occur in an organism after reaching adulthood, resulting in senescence and a decline in biological functions, ultimately leading to death. Epidemiological evidence shows that aging is a driving factor in the developing of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, immune system disorders, cancer, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Natural plant polysaccharides have emerged as crucial food components in delaying the aging process. Therefore, it is essential to continuously investigate plant polysaccharides as potential sources of new pharmaceuticals for aging. Modern pharmacological research indicates that plant polysaccharides can exert antiaging effects by scavenging free radicals, increasing telomerase activity, regulating apoptosis, enhancing immunity, inhibiting glycosylation, improving mitochondrial dysfunction regulating gene expression, activating autophagy, and modulating gut microbiota. Moreover, the antiaging activity of plant polysaccharides is mediated by one or more signaling pathways, including IIS, mTOR, Nrf2, NF-κB, Sirtuin, p53, MAPK, and UPR signaling pathways. This review summarizes the antiaging properties of plant polysaccharides and signaling pathways participating in the polysaccharide-regulating aging process. Finally, we discuss the structure–activity relationships of antiaging polysaccharides.

Gastrodia elata polysaccharide alleviates Parkinson's disease via inhibiting apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways and modulating the gut microbiota

“…Polysaccharides are among the active ingredients crucial to maintain human health, which play an important role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. 54,55 However, whether GEP has neuroprotective properties as a candidate for preventing and ameliorating PD has not been studied. Therefore, in this study, GEP was extracted, isolated, and identified, and then its effect and mechanism in the development of PD was explored.…”

Review of Allelopathy in Green Tides: The Case of Ulva prolifera in the South Yellow Sea

“…It can attach itself to the cell surfaces of surrounding algae, therefore stifling the growth of rival algae such as Skeletonema costatum [ 93 ]. Polysaccharides that exhibit allelopathic effects now clearly cling particularly to the target species’ cell surface, drastically restricting their proliferation and altering the number of certain species [ 94 ]. Moreover, the marine applications of these polysaccharides have shown considerable potential, such as in aquaculture to strengthen animal immune systems [ 95 ].…”

Anti-Aging Activity and Modes of Action of Compounds from Natural Food Sources

“…Both autophagy and mitophagy play a dual role in aging and aging-associated diseases. When they are weakened, they cause aging and agingrelated diseases; when they are too strong, they induce the autophagy death of normal cells [279,280].…”