Abstract

FOLKLORE MEDICINAL PLANTS USED AS ANTIAGEING AGENTS: A REVIEW

Nupur S. Srivastava*

ABSTRACT

Natural products play an essential role in prevention of ageing and therapy of various neurodegenerative diseases, and neuronal dysfunctions. Different studies suggest that natural products, such as polyphenolic and alkaloids compounds that isolated from plants potentially delayed the ageing processes, delayed neurodegeneration and also improve memory and cognitive function. Ethno pharmacological studies have provided information to identify potential new drugs from plant sources. Numerous plants have been used to delay the ageing processes and treat cognitive disorders. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of plants and isolated components form plants were used in improvement neuro- inflammation, anxiety, convulsion, ageing etc. Medicinal plants have beneficial properties due to presence of various complex chemical substances for treatment of toxicity in the nervous system. The medicinal plants contain several phytochemicals such as vitamins, carotenoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, etc. These compounds have antioxidant activities, which can be used in the treatment of multiple ailments like diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders etc. Since phenolic compunds are capable of inhibiting free radicals, they can retard the ageing process. Ageing is an inevitable process for all living organisms in which the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals have been implicated. This review focuses on some medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds which can serve as anti-ageing agents.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, ageing, phytochemicals, reactive oxygen species, neurodegeneration.