Advanced molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-aging effects of <i>Ipomoea batatas</i> L. (sweet potato) leaves: bioactive compounds, cellular pathways, and functional food applications

The global increase in life expectancy has intensified the need for effective dietary strategies to modulate biological aging and mitigate age-associated functional decline. Plant-derived bioactives have emerged as key regulators of aging-related molecular pathways; however, the anti-aging potential of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.) leaves (SPL), a nutrient-dense yet underutilized leafy vegetable, remains insufficiently studied. This review aims to systematically evaluate the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and molecular mechanisms through which SPL bioactives influence the major hallmarks of aging. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive synthesis specifically focusing on the anti-aging mechanisms of SPL. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and emerging human studies demonstrates that SPL bioactives exert multi-targeted effects on oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein glycation, and cellular senescence. Mechanistically, SPL polyphenols activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway to enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses, while suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory signaling. Additional pathways include inhibition of advanced glycation end-product formation, AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK)-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, preservation of telomere integrity, and protection of extracellular matrix homeostasis through modulation of matrix metalloproteinases and collagen synthesis. Collectively, these findings position SPL as a promising functional food candidate for healthy aging. However, clinical validation remains limited. Future research should prioritize randomized controlled trials, dose–response and bioavailability studies, and integrative omics-based approaches to confirm efficacy and facilitate translation into evidence-based functional food applications.