Plant bioactives delaying aging and senescence through sirtuin activation: A review

Abstract

Dietary intake has a significant impact on the physical well-being of an individual. Plants that are a natural source of bioactive compounds like polyphenols are known to have proven health benefits. An important finding has been the role of phytochemicals in improving cytological functioning resulting in enhancing cellular longevity and organismal lifespan. Sirtuins are a class of proteins that delay cellular aging and increase the life expectancy of the organism by regulating cellular activities. In silico and in vitro studies have elucidated the compounds that act as potential sirtuin activators. This has led to several molecular and biochemical studies confirming the antiaging effect of polyphenol compounds found in plants to be related to sirtuin activation. The present study gives an insight into the antiageing potential of sirtuins, the relation between plant bioactives (polyphenols) and sirtuin proteins and the types of natural dietary metabolites that act as sirtuin –activators, with special reference to resveratrol. The study would be beneficial in identifying plants whose consumption can help to delay aging and senescence in the human body and in comprehending the underlying mechanism of these anti-debilitating effects.