Efficacy of Plant Extracts in Treating Oxidative Stress and Associated Diseases: A Potential for Anti-Aging Remedies

Aging is a natural process that affects all living organisms including humans. It is characterized by a decline in physiological functioning and physical efficiency, resulting in visible signs such as wrinkles, loss of skin suppleness, and hyperpigmentation. Free radicals play a significant role in the aging process by altering the oxidative properties of structural proteins and activating pro-inflammatory enzyme systems. Plants and herbs have been used for centuries as beneficial tools for supplementary therapy. This study focused on the potential anti-aging properties of three plants: Annona squamosa, Carica papaya, and Aloe vera. A. squamosa leaves are rich in flavonoids, acetogenins, and polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties and enhance collagen production and cellular proliferation. C. papaya contains physiologically active substances, such as papain and chymopapain, and has strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity. Aloe vera has been widely used in traditional remedies, cosmetics, and health foods, and its extracted compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of these plant extracts in treating oxidative stress and associated diseases, with the potential to develop anti-aging remedies that can delay signs of aging.