As the global population ages, there is an increasing demand for interventions that can extend healthspan and improve quality of life. Ageing is a complex process characterized by various interconnected mechanisms, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, impaired autophagy, genomic instability, proteostasis loss, stem cell exhaustion, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This review article summarizes the mechanisms of ageing and evaluates the role of natural products and formulations derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as pharmacological modulators of these pathways.
What this study does not show
This review does not provide direct clinical evidence or outcomes from human studies regarding the efficacy of TCM-derived products in modulating ageing-related pathways.
Evidence scorecard
- Analytic validity: Not established
- Clinical validity: Not established
- Clinical utility: Not established
The evidence presented in this review is based on a narrative synthesis of existing literature rather than original research.
The authors conducted a comprehensive narrative review integrating various studies that highlight the potential of TCM-derived bioactive compounds, including ginsenosides, plant polysaccharides, and herbal extracts. These compounds have been reported to exhibit geroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms. For instance, they can regulate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which are critical factors in the ageing process.
Furthermore, classical TCM formulations are noted for their multi-component effects, influencing genomic stability, mitochondrial function, immune regulation, and gut microbiota homeostasis. This multi-target approach distinguishes TCM from conventional pharmacological strategies that often focus on isolated targets.
Overall, the findings of this review support the potential of TCM-derived natural products and formulations as multi-target pharmacological strategies for promoting healthy ageing. However, further research, particularly clinical trials, is necessary to substantiate these claims and explore their practical applications in geriatric health.