GEROPROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF POLYPHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF FOOD PLANTS

Abstract

People’s ageing causes economic and social problems all over the world. The article presents the results of the analysis of modern research on ways and means that can eliminate the causes of ageing, prolong the active longevity and working ability of the elderly. It has been established that human health and longevity depend on the specific features of a person’s nutrition and are affected by micronutrient deficiency in the body caused by unbalanced diet. Considering the free radical theory of ageing, which is based on the chemical nature and ubiquity of free radicals, it has been found that consumption of plant foods rich in antioxidants prevents oxidative damage to cellular structures, which is caused by reactive oxygen species. It has been demonstrated that well-known plant antioxidants, such as flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds, have a protective effect. They modulate energy metabolism in a way conducive to well-being and longevity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases and ageing. It has been established that the antioxidant effect of flavonoids involves scavenging of free lipoperoxide radicals, inhibition of nitric oxide production, inactivation of peroxynitrite and other oxidants, inhibition of xanthine oxidase and other radical-producing enzymes, chelation of metals. Neuroprotective and radioprotective properties of flavonoids have been revealed. Flavonoids can inhibit regulatory enzymes or transcription factors that are important for the control of inflammatory mediators, affect oxidative stress through DNA interactions, and enhance genomic stability. Combinations of polyphenols can exhibit synergistic or additive beneficial effects. It has been shown that the rational use of plant-based diets rich in polyphenolic compounds helps to reduce the total mortality rate and, in particular, mortality from coronary heart disease, to maintain sustainable weight management, to decrease the frequency and severity of high-risk conditions such as obesity, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and improve the general condition in cases of long-neglected cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.