Phytotherapeutic Approaches to the Prevention of Age-Related Changes and the Extension of Active Longevity

Abstract

Maintaining quality of life with an increase in life expectancy is considered one of the global problems of our time. This review explores the possibility of using natural plant compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-glycation, and anti-neurodegenerative properties to slow down the onset of age-related changes. Age-related changes such as a decrease in mental abilities, the development of inflammatory processes, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes have a significant impact on maintaining quality of life. Herbal preparations can play an essential role in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases that accompany age-related changes, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Medicinal plants have known sedative, muscle relaxant, neuroprotective, nootropic, and antiparkinsonian properties. The secondary metabolites, mainly polyphenolic compounds, are valuable substances for the development of new anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic agents. Understanding how mixtures of plants and their biologically active substances work together to achieve a specific biological effect can help develop targeted drugs to prevent diseases associated with aging and age-related changes. Understanding the mechanisms of the biological activity of plant complexes and mixtures determines the prospects for using metabolomic and biochemical methods to prolong active longevity.

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae

“…Tomatoes —One medium tomato contains 26 calories and 0 g of fat. Biochemically speaking, tomatoes are rich in lycopene and are a great source of vitamin C [ 176 , 177 ].…”

Mediterranean herbs, spices, and medicinal plants—Natural remedies and rich sources of bioactive compounds

“…The presence of notable antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory compounds in the herbs, spices, and medicinal plants is linked to their preventive effects from serious illnesses. A great example is the use of herbs and spices as natural preservatives for food—they play an important role in preserving the lipid components in the food from deterioration, but also their consumption along with the preserved food strengthen the defense mechanisms (i.e., immunity) in the body 20–23 …”

Bio-Functional Natural Products in Edible Resources for Human Health and Beauty

“…In addition, two review papers are included, namely 'Natural ingredients from medicine food homology as chemopreventive reagents against type 2 diabetes mellitus by modulating gut microbiota homoeostasis' by Xiaoyan Xia and Jiao Xiao [11] and 'Phytotherapeutic approaches to the prevention of age-related changes and the extension of active longevity', by Olga Babich et al [12].…”