Dear Colleagues,

The current demographic shift is unprecedented, with the worldwide population rapidly aging. In 2019, the number of humans over 60 years was 1 billion; by 2050, this number is expected to double to 2 billion, or one in five people (i.e., 20% of the population). A longer life offers many opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for communities and societies. However, this perspective implies healthy aging, a condition that depends on genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. At the biological level, aging results from the accumulation of a molecular and cellular damage over time. Accordingly, aging is associated with chronic oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation and decrease in age-related autophagy. At the organism level, this leads to a gradual decline in physical and mental capacity, an increased risk of diseases and, ultimately, death. Several studies have indicated that certain dietary phytochemicals can extend lifespan in various cell and animal models, thus representing a promising strategy to promote healthy aging. Indeed, phytochemicals are multi-target agents able to interact with numerous biochemical and molecular pathways involved in aging and chronic-degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders and certain types of cancer. In light of this complex scenario, we welcome original studies (both review and research articles) focusing on natural products and their preclinical/clinical evaluation as anti-aging agents.

Prof. Dr. Marcello Iriti

Guest Editor