The geroprotective potential of chalcones

Aging is the most important risk factor for multiple pathologies including cardiovascular, neoplastic, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Potential geroprotective strategies involve lifestyle-related, nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Recently, chalcones, a subgroup of secondary plant metabolites, have gained attention. 4,4'-dimethoxychalcone was the first chalcone to be shown to mediate geroprotection and lifespan extension across different species. Several other chalcones also exert anti-aging effects at the cellular and organismal levels. Defined mechanistic routes that are causally involved in these protective effects have been delineated. Here, we summarize current evidence supporting the potential of 4,4'-dimethoxychalcone and other chalcones as geroprotective agents.