The Roots of Youth and the Current Status of Anti-aging Medicinal Plants

Since humanity’s earliest days, the desire to remain youthful has been central to myths and, subsequently, to the scientific world. Plants have been used since ancient times to heal and prevent aging and are now studied by modern science. This section presents the cultural and scientific evolution of anti-aging concepts, highlighting the shift from the symbolic world of narratives to molecular mechanisms. Using the Web of Science database, we analyzed studies published from 2015 to 2025 on global research trends in plant-based anti-aging studies. The results showed that phytochemicals, dermatology, and longevity were the main citation topics at the meso-level. Antioxidant activity, cellular aging, and skin protection were the main attribution topics at the micro-level. Analyses are presented for Panax ginseng, Centella asiatica, Ginkgo biloba, Curcuma longa, Cinnamomum spp., Rosmarinus officinalis, Hibiscus spp., Zingiber officinale, Phyllanthus emblica, and Aloe vera. Analyses indicate an interdisciplinary shift that combines traditional knowledge with modern biotechnology and nanoscience. China and India are leaders among the studies, reflecting a strong biocultural continuity. These findings highlight the central role of plants in modern anti-aging strategies. The roots of youth are not just underground like ancient narratives; they grow inside cells, genes, and molecules.