The effect of plant-derived polyphenols on the immune system during aging: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #humans #aging #antioxidants #immune-system

The effect of plant-derived polyphenols on the immune system during aging: a systematic review

Mendonça et al., 2024 | Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol | Systematic Review

Citation

Mendonça Beatriz Santana, Nascimento Laura Maria Morales, ... Dos Santos Reis Maria Danielma. The effect of plant-derived polyphenols on the immune system during aging: a systematic review. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2024-Oct;46(5):604-617. doi:10.1080/08923973.2024.2384911

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Polyphenols are organic compounds with diverse biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making them important candidates for the development of anti-aging drugs. In this systematic review, we aimed to answer the question: can plant-derived polyphenols have an immunomodulatory effect in experimental models of aging? METHODS: We systematically searched Web of Science, MEDLINE/Pubmed, and Embase to select articles using the following combinations of terms and synonyms: polyphenols, phenols, senescence, aging, and immune. The selected articles were evaluated for reporting quality and risk-of-bias according to standard guidelines. RESULTS: The most used polyphenol was resveratrol, followed by curcumin, salidroside, and gallic acid. These molecules demonstrated an ability to restore immune function both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of action was not completely elucidated in these studies, but inhibition of NF-kB signaling, and antioxidant properties seemed to account for the anti-aging effects. All articles included in the review had good quality of reporting but failed to describe an adequate sample size, criteria for inclusion/exclusion, randomization, and blinding. CONCLUSION: We conclude that polyphenols are promising immunomodulatory substances for use in anti-aging therapies. However, more research with standardized analysis is needed to understand the role of these molecules in the prevention or reduction of damage associated with the aging process, as well as to determine the safety profile and consequences of systemic action.

Key Findings

The most used polyphenol was resveratrol, followed by curcumin, salidroside, and gallic acid. These molecules demonstrated an ability to restore immune function both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of action was not completely elucidated in these studies, but inhibition of NF-kB signaling, and antioxidant properties seemed to account for the anti-aging effects. All articles included in the review had good quality of reporting but failed to describe an adequate sample size, criteria for inclu

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Aging
  • Antioxidants
  • Immune System
  • Immunomodulating Agents
  • Polyphenols

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: resveratrol

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09