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Dietary Polyphenols in Aging: A Systems-Level Perspective on Mitochondrial Quality Control and Microbiome
Adnan Yılmaz1, Hae-Jin Park2,3, Eun-Mi Ahn3,4
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100 Rize, Türkiye.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Natural polyphenols, found in plants, show promise in promoting healthy aging by targeting molecular mechanisms. These compounds, like resveratrol and EGCG, support mitochondrial health and reduce age-related disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Molecular Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging is a complex process involving functional decline and increased disease risk.
- Natural polyphenols possess geroprotective properties, making them key targets for healthy aging research.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central hallmark of aging, impacting cellular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence on major dietary polyphenols' ability to modulate aging hallmarks.
- To emphasize the role of mitochondrial quality control in polyphenol-mediated geroprotection.
- To explore polyphenol interactions with key aging-related signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current scientific evidence.
- Analysis of polyphenol effects on aging hallmarks, focusing on mitochondria.
- Examination of polyphenol modulation of signaling pathways like AMPK, SIRT, mTOR, Nrf2, and NF-κB.
Main Results:
- Polyphenols (resveratrol, EGCG, curcumin, quercetin) modulate key aging pathways.
- These compounds influence mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, redox balance, senescence, and inflammation.
- Gut microbiome metabolism of polyphenols yields bioactive compounds like urolithin A, aiding mitochondrial regulation.
Conclusions:
- Dietary polyphenols are promising modulators of aging pathways.
- Polyphenols can enhance mitochondrial quality control, a critical mechanism in aging.
- These natural compounds may support strategies to improve healthspan and reduce age-related disease risk.
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