Plant-derived Secondary Metabolites that Delay Dermal Aging in HumansThrough Longevity Pathways

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and is one of the organs most affected by aging, contributing to the appearance associated with old age. Skin aging, also known as dermal aging, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Plant secondary metabolites provide a potent source of diverse natural compounds with many pharmaceutical and biological activities, which offer promising anti-aging benefits. These plant-derived secondary metabolites have the potential to delay or decrease dermal aging by modulating key molecular players such as MMP, p53, p21, mTOR, and TGF-β. Activation or deactivation of these molecular players may accelerate or decelerate the aging process, respectively, and thereby exert direct effects on longevity. This narrative review begins with an introduction to the basic cellular concepts of dermal aging, then delves into the hallmarks of aging and discusses the different types of known plant-derived secondary metabolites, highlighting the mechanisms by which they delay dermal aging.