Repurposing of Drugs in Aging

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a gradual decline in physiological functions and an increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. With the global population aging rapidly, there is a growing need to develop effective interventions to promote healthy aging and extend lifespan. Traditional drug discovery approaches are time-consuming and costly, leading researchers to explore alternative strategies. Repurposing existing drugs has emerged as a promising avenue to accelerate the development of anti-aging therapies. This abstract reviews the current state of knowledge on repurposed drugs for anti-aging purposes. It highlights the advantages of repurposing over traditional drug discovery, such as reduced cost, shorter development timelines, and known safety profiles. The discussion focuses on specific repurposed drugs that have shown potential in preclinical and clinical studies for their anti-aging effects. The article also delves into the underlying mechanisms through which repurposed drugs exert their anti-aging properties. These mechanisms include the modulation of cellular senescence, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage repair pathways. By targeting these key hallmarks of aging, repurposed drugs hold promise for mitigating age-related decline and extending health span. Furthermore, the abstract explores the challenges and opportunities associated with repurposing drugs for anti-aging interventions. It discusses the importance of rigorous clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of repurposed drugs and the need for personalized approaches to account for individual variations in drug response. Phytochemicals, a vast array of natural compounds found in plants, are emerging as potential allies in combating the various aspects of aging. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other potent properties can target processes linked to age-related decline. These natural compounds have the potential to protect organs like the brain and skin, and promote overall health and wellbeing throughout the aging process. While the research continues to evolve, phytochemicals hold exciting promise in the pursuit of healthier, longer lives. In conclusion, repurposing existing drugs for anti-aging purposes represents a cost-effective and time-efficient strategy to identify potential interventions. This chapter highlights the potential of phytochemicals as repurposed drugs to protect age-related decline and promote healthy aging. Continued research in this field has the potential to unlock new phytochemical-based therapeutic options and improve the quality of life for aging populations worldwide.