Bioactive Compounds of Edible Fruits with Their Anti-Aging Properties:

A Comprehensive Review to Prolong Human Life

Publication Date:
2020-11-13

Institutions involved:

School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, India
School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Shoolini University, India
Himalayan Forest Research Institute, India
School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, UK
Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

Participants:
Narrative Review of Preclinical, In vivo, and In Vitro Evidence

Dosage:
N/A

Key Takeaways:

Polyphenols from fruits influence aging at the molecular level, targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction— core drivers of cellular senescence.

From the authors: “Consumption of fruits rich in bioactive compounds has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and increased lifespan.”

Fruit polyphenols boost protective genes (Nrf2, SIRT1) while surpressing inflammatory ones (NF-κB, JNK), orchestrating genomic defenses against aging and chronic disease.

Apple Poly Summary:

Why Is This Study Important? This review synthesizes the anti-aging potential of fruit-derived bioactive compounds, highlighting how polyphenols, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It provides a broad foundation for understanding how diet—especially fruit intake—can influence longevity and age-related disease risk.

Fruit polyphenols are presented here as functional anti-aging agents, with the ability to modulate age-related disease pathways. Flavan-3-ols (catechin and epicatechin) are highlighted for antioxidant and vascular-protective effects (dark chocolate, apples, tea). Procyanidins are cited for their multiple roles central to cardiovascular and metabolic health, across multiple fruit sources (apple, blueberries, cocoa, grapes). Chlorogenic acid, abundant in apples and coffee, is noted for antiglycation and glucose-regulating properties. The anthocyanins that give berries their beautiful colors are neuroprotective. Regardless of the particular fruit, the core actions of these polyphenols remain strikingly consistent across flowering plants, and in their beneficial effects on human health.

In Plain English: This paper explains how fruits like apples, grapes, and blueberries contain natural compounds that may help slow aging. These compounds fight harmful molecules in the body, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage. Eating more fruit could help prevent diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and even some cancers.

For Medical Professionals: This narrative review outlines the mechanistic roles of fruit-derived bioactives—particularly polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins—in mitigating aging-related pathologies. It emphasizes their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-supportive effects, with pathways including Nrf2 activation, NF-κB inhibition, and SIRT1 modulation. While not source-specific, the review supports the inclusion of polyphenol-rich fruits in dietary strategies for healthy aging.

Abstract:

Aging is a complicated biological process in which functional and structural alterations in a living organism take place over time. Reactive oxygen species is one of the main factors responsible for aging and is associated with several chronic pathologies. The relationship between aging and diet is quite interesting and has attained worldwide attention. Healthy food, in addition to dietary antioxidants, are required to delay the process of aging and improve the quality of life. Many healthy foods such as fruits are a good source of dietary nutrients and natural bioactive compounds which have antioxidant properties and are involved in preventing aging and other age-related disorders. Health benefits linked with healthy consumption of fruit have drawn increased interest. A significant number of studies have documented the advantages of fruit intake, as it suppresses free-radical development that further reduces the oxidative stress created in the body and protects against several types of diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and other cardiovascular diseases that ultimately prevent aging. In addition, fruits have numerous other properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and have health-promoting effects. Mechanisms of various bioactive compounds that aids in preventing various diseases and increases longevity are also described. This manuscript provides a summary of various bioactive components present in fruits along with their health-promoting and antiaging properties.

Dhalaria, Rajni, et al. “Bioactive Compounds of Edible Fruits with Their Anti-Aging Properties: A Comprehensive Review to Prolong Human Life.” Antioxidants, vol. 9, no. 11, 2020, p. 1123. MDPI, https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9111123.