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Aug 25, 2025
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Sep 15, 2025
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Sep 27, 2025
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Abstract

Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and function, poses a significant global health challenge. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from preclinical studies published between 2020 and 2025 to elucidate the molecular pathways through which phytochemicals prevent sarcopenia. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of databases identified 16 eligible studies. The analysis reveals that phytochemicals, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and botanical extracts, mitigate muscle atrophy by concurrently enhancing anabolic signaling via the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis, suppressing proteolysis, improving mitochondrial biogenesis, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Notably, combinatorial formulations and multi-target extracts demonstrate superior efficacy. The review concludes that phytochemicals represent a promising multi-targeted strategy against sarcopenia; however, this promising potential necessitates future validation through standardized clinical trials to establish efficacy and safety in human populations.

Keywords

sarcopenia phytochemicals molecular pathways muscle ageing

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
1.
Sari DN, Goenarjo RA, Sianipar IR. Molecular Pathway of Phytochemicals in Preventing Sarcopenia. EKSAKTA [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 27 [cited 2025 Oct. 2];26(03):384-95. Available from: https://eksakta.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/eksakta/article/view/621

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