Chemical Diversity and Mechanistic Insights into Anti-aging Phytocompounds from Indigenous Southern African Species

The rich biodiversity of plants that are typically native to Southern Africa has long been an integral part of conventional medicine due to their numerous health benefits, encompassing over 3000 plant species. Remarkably, about 20–25% of these species have been documented to possess significant dermatological effects, such as anti-aging, skin rejuvenation qualities, and wound healing, hence their usage in traditional medicine. With an emphasis on their bioactive compounds and underlying mechanisms of action, this chapter explores the potential of these plants as natural resources for combating the aging process. Through a comprehensive investigation of plant species such as Clerodendrum glabrum, Ximenia caffra, Sutherlandia frutescens, Schotia brachypetala, Psychotria capensis, and Peltophorum africanum, we outline the antioxidants, which include but are not limited to tannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, quinones, glycosides, steroids, alkaloids, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating properties of these plant species, all of which are imperative for maintaining skin firmness and delaying skin aging. We also highlight the molecular pathways that these specific plant species impact, together with the regulation of cellular senescence, extracellular matrix disintegration, and oxidative stress. This book chapter highlights the potential of nature’s pharmacy, which may lead to the production of new anti-aging medications based on traditional knowledge of Southern African flora.