Mitochondria-Targeted Natural-Derived Compounds in Cellular Senescence: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Potential, and Future Directions
Simple Summary As we age, our bodies gather senescent cells that evade apoptosis and release detrimental signals, resulting in systemic inflammation and conditions such as dementia and heart failure. A significant contributor to their detrimental effects is the decline in mitochondrial function, which leads to the leakage of harmful substances and inflammatory reactions. Natural compounds derived from fruits, vegetables, and herbs have the potential to restore mitochondrial function and eliminate these senescent cells. Nevertheless, a significant obstacle is that these compounds seldom reach the mitochondria upon ingestion. This review explores micro-delivery systems that are designed to transport natural compounds directly to the mitochondria. Our findings indicate that both the natural repair compounds and delivery technologies exist, but surprisingly, no studies have yet combined them to target aging cells. We suggest the integration of these strategies to create innovative therapies that could decelerate the aging process and tackle various age-related diseases.