Impacts of Senolytic Phytochemicals on Gut Microbiota: A Comprehensive Review

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024 Nov 28;34(11):2166-2172. doi: 10.4014/jmb.2408.08032. Epub 2024 Nov 18.

Abstract

There is increasing interest in utilizing senolytics to selectively remove senescent cells from intestinal tissues, with the aim of maintaining a healthy gut environment during aging. This strategy underscores the potential of senolytics to enhance gut health by delaying intestinal aging and positively modulating gut microbiota. Certain plant-based phytochemicals have demonstrated promising senolytic effects. Beyond their ability to eliminate senescent cells, these compounds also exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation-key drivers of age-related diseases. By selectively removing senescent cells from the intestine, senolytic phytochemicals contribute to an improved intestinal inflammatory environment and promote the growth of a diverse microbial community. Ultimately, the dietary intake of these senolytic phytochemicals aids in maintaining a healthier intestinal microenvironment by targeting and clearing aged enterocytes.

Keywords: Senolytic; aging; gut; phytochemical; senescence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cellular Senescence / drug effects
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Intestines / drug effects
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Phytochemicals* / pharmacology
  • Senotherapeutics / pharmacology

Substances

  • Phytochemicals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Senotherapeutics