Design and optimization of piperlongumine analogs as potent senolytics

The Potential of Polyphenols in Modulating the Cellular Senescence Process: Implications and Mechanism of Action

Background: Cellular senescence is a biological process with a dual role in organismal health. While transient senescence supports tissue repair and acts as a tumor-suppressive mechanism, the chronic accumulation of senescent cells contributes to aging and the progression of age-related diseases. Senotherapeutics, including senolytics, which selectively eliminate senescent cells, and senomorphics, which modulate the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), have emerged as promising strategies for managing age-related pathologies. Among these, polyphenols, a diverse group of plant-derived bioactive compounds, have gained attention for their potential to modulate cellular senescence. Methods: This review synthesizes evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the senolytic and senomorphic activities of bioactive polyphenols, including resveratrol, kaempferol, apigenin, and fisetin. The analysis focuses on their molecular mechanisms of action and their impact on fundamental aging-related pathways. Results: Polyphenols exhibit therapeutic versatility by activating SIRT1, inhibiting NF-κB, and modulating autophagy. These compounds demonstrate a dual role, promoting the survival of healthy cells while inducing apoptosis in senescent cells. Preclinical evidence indicates their capacity to reduce SASP-associated inflammation, restore tissue homeostasis, and attenuate cellular senescence in various models of aging. Conclusions: Polyphenols represent a promising class of senotherapeutics for mitigating age-related diseases and promoting healthy lifespan extension. Further research should focus on clinical validation and the long-term effects of these compounds, paving the way for their development as therapeutic agents in geriatric medicine.

Amide Alkaloids as Privileged Sources of Senomodulators for Therapeutic Purposes in Age-Related Diseases

Nature is an important source of bioactive compounds and has continuously made a large contribution to the discovery of new drug leads. Particularly, plant-derived compounds have long been identified as highly interesting in the field of aging research and senescence. Many plants contain bioactive compounds that have the potential to influence cellular processes and provide health benefits. Among them, Piper alkaloids have emerged as interesting candidates in the context of age-related diseases and particularly senescence. These compounds have been shown to display a variety of features, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and other bioactive properties that may help counteracting the effects of cellular aging processes. In the review, we will put the emphasis on piperlongumine and other related derivatives, which belong to the Piper alkaloids, and whose senomodulating potential has emerged during the last several years. We will also provide a survey on their potential in therapeutic perspectives of age-related diseases.