Aquatic Plant-Derived Secondary Metabolites with Anti-aging Properties

As the global population ages at an accelerated pace, research into anti-aging mechanisms has emerged as a pivotal area within the life sciences. Aquatic plants have gained recognition as a notable source of bioactive compounds with anti-aging properties, attributable to their unique ecological adaptability and the variety of metabolic products they produce. This chapter delineates the various constituents abundant in polyphenols, polysaccharides, cellulose, and carotenoids present in aquatic plants, which demonstrate significant anti-aging effects through multiple pathways, including the scavenging of free radicals, the inhibition of oxidative stress responses, the regulation of cellular apoptosis, and the enhancement of immune function. Furthermore, the chapter examines recent advancements in the utilization of bioactive compounds derived from aquatic plants across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries for anti-aging applications. Current research emphasizes the sustainable development and high-value utilization of aquatic plant resources, which is anticipated to become a significant trend in the formulation of anti-aging products, thereby offering diverse solutions for promoting healthy aging in humans.