Antiaging effects of bioactive molecules isolated from plants and fungi

Aging is influenced by many lifestyle choices that are under human control, including nutrition and exercise. The most effective known antiaging intervention consists of calorie restriction (CR), which increases lifespan in yeasts, worms, fruit flies, mice, and nonhuman primates. CR also improves healthspan by preventing the development of various aging-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Many compounds isolated from plants and fungi prolong lifespan and prevent age-related diseases in model organisms. These plant and fungal compounds modulate the same cellular and physiological pathways as CR, including those involving insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1, mammalian target of rapamycin, and sirtuins. Modulation of these aging-related pathways results in the activation of various cellular processes such as autophagy, DNA repair, and neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Together, these cellular processes are believed to delay aging and prevent chronic diseases by improving bodily functions and stress resistance. We review here the mechanisms of action of plant and fungal molecules possessing antiaging properties and discuss the possibilities and challenges associated with the development of antiaging compounds isolated from natural products.