Aging Theories and Prevention of Age-Related Diseases Using Phytocomplexes

Aging is a multifactorial biological process characterized by a progressive decline in functional capacity at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. The aim of this review is to summarize current concepts of aging mechanisms and the prevention of age-related pathologies from a lymphological perspective, taking into account contemporary literature data and the results of our own studies. Currently, two major concepts dominate in gerontology: programmed aging, which considers aging as a genetically determined process, and damage accumulation theories, which associate aging with the progressive accumulation of molecular and cellular damage. The hallmarks of aging include genomic instability, telomere shortening, epigenetic alterations, impaired proteostasis and macroautophagy, dysregulation of nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, dysbiosis, hormonal imbalance, and disturbances in interstitial humoral transport and lymphatic outflow. At the tissue and organ levels, impairment of lymphatic drainage is of particular importance, leading to interstitial fluid stagnation and the accumulation of toxic metabolites, which exacerbate cellular and subcellular dysfunction. Phytotherapeutic agents containing flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and other biologically active substances exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. They inhibit lipid peroxidation, reduce excessive nitric oxide production, and contribute to the restoration of interstitial humoral transport and lymphatic outflow. Interstitial humoral transport and the lymphatic system, together with renal mechanisms, play key roles in maintaining body fluid homeostasis. Targeted regulation of lymphatic system function may help reduce tissue congestion, maintain physiological homeostasis, and improve quality of life in the elderly.