Research Progress in the Anti-aging Effects of Phytochemicals

With the increase of aging population, the health of the elderly is of great concern. Aging is a complex biological process, accompanied by a gradual loss of physiological integrity of the body and consequently a decline in physiological function. Nutritional intervention through diet is one of the most effective strategies to resist aging. Phytochemicals are a class of bioactive substances that widely exist in fruits, vegetables and drinks. Dietary intake of phytochemicals plays an important role in the anti-aging process. In this article, we summarize the literature concerning the anti-aging effects of phytochemicals in the past decade. First, this article gives an overview of the latest theories of aging, which have been established based on inspiration from model organisms. Next, this article briefly outlines the advantages and disadvantages of two model organisms commonly used for studying the theory of aging, Caenorhabditis elegans and rodents (mice or rats). Then, it focuses on elucidating the anti-aging effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals from seven aspects, including enhancing antioxidant capacity, regulating nutrient sensing, activating telomerase activity, repairing mitochondrial function, clearing senescent cells, inducing stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and enhancing anti-inflammatory activity. This article aims to explore the mechanism by which phytochemicals directly or indirectly intervene in the aging process and the application prospects of phytochemicals in food nutrition for the purpose of laying a theoretical foundation for a rational diet for the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases.