A review on anti-aging actions of plant polysaccharides

Aging can lead to a decline in the biological functions of the body's cells and tissues, triggering various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. This gradual weakening of the body increases the risk of mortality. With societal advancements and improvements in modern medical standards, there is a growing focus on anti-aging research, prompting an urgent search for effective anti-aging therapies. Plant polysaccharides possess numerous natural pharmacological effects, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, anti-tumor properties, and blood sugar reduction. Additionally, plant polysaccharides are associated with minimal toxic side effects and high safety profiles, while being widely sourced from various plants. Owing to these natural advantages, plant polysaccharides have become a research hotspot across multiple fields. Specifically, plant polysaccharides can modulate aging through mechanisms such as enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, regulating inflammatory factors, promoting cell autophagy and division, improving mitochondrial function, increasing telomerase activity, and regulating gut microbiota. Thus, they play a significant role and hold an important position in the field of anti-aging research. This article briefly reviews the mechanisms of aging and the progress made in understanding the anti-aging effects of plant polysaccharides, providing a reference for further investigation in this area.