Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Aging: Shared Mechanism Linking Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Population aging is a major global demographic shift associated with an increased prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. These conditions share common pathophysiological mechanisms, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and impaired cellular homeostasis. Current therapeutic approaches in older adults are often complicated by high medication burden and associated adverse effects, underscoring the need for safer, multitarget strategies. Plant-derived bioactive compounds have emerged as promising candidates due to their chemical diversity and ability to modulate multiple molecular pathways simultaneously. This review critically evaluates the common and potentially molecular mechanisms of these compounds in vascular aging, endothelial dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies demonstrates that natural products exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and neuroprotective effects. These actions are primarily mediated through the reduction of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κβ) signaling, enhancement of nitric oxide bioavailability, preservation of mitochondrial function, and attenuation of pathological protein aggregation, including β-amyloid and α-synuclein. A wide range of medicinal plants, such as Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Astragalus membranaceus, Nigella sativa, Centella asiatica, Moringa oleifera, and Withania somnifera, exhibit consistent protective effects across both cardiovascular and neurological systems. These findings support the concept that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways constitute a unifying framework linking aging to chronic disease progression. Despite promising evidence, challenges related to bioavailability, standardization, and clinical validation remain. Future research integrating advanced pharmacological and systems biology approaches will be essential to facilitate translation into clinical practice and promote healthy aging.