Received: 10 February 2026
Accepted: 18 February 2026
Published online: 27 February 2026
УДК: 615.322:615.03:612.67
DOI: 10.53511/pharmkaz.2026.1.1
GEROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF POLYPHENOLS: INVOLVEMENT OF REDOX MECHANISMS AND INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA (NARRATIVE REVIEW)
Alexandr Gulyayev ¹’²’³, Madina Baurzhan ¹, Sayagul Kairgeldina ¹, Madiyar
Nurgaziyev ² , Assiya Maikenova ², Ayaulym Nurgaziyeva ², Zarina Shulgau 4
¹ Scientific Research Institute of Balneology and Medical rehabilitation of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan Astana, Kazakhstan
² ЦCenter for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University,
Astana, Kazakhstan
³ NCJSC “Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
4 NCJSC «Astana Medical University», Astana, Kazakhstan
Abstract. The growing interest in oxidative stress as a central mechanism of cellular aging
underscores the relevance of this review. While the oxidative stress theory remains foundational in
gerontology, recent clinical evidence has challenged the efficacy of conventional antioxidant
vitamins, shifting focus toward more complex plant-derived bioactive compounds. The aim of this
review is to summarize current knowledge on the antioxidant potential of plant polyphenols, their
mechanisms of action, bioavailability and interaction with intestinal microbiota. The analysis draws on scientific literature from the past 15 years, including in vitro experiments, in vivo animal models, and randomized controlled human trials published in high-impact international journals. Key findings reveal that polyphenols (in particular flavonoids and stilbenes) exhibit strong free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activity in vitro. In vivo, however, their systemic effects are constrained by low bioavailability and rapid metabolism. Metabolites produced by gut microbiota play a pivotal role in modulating oxidative stress. Clinical studies demonstrate that polyphenol-rich diets (berries, red wine, green tea, Mediterranean and Green-Mediterranean diets) slow biological aging (measured by DNA methylation clocks), enhance cognitive function, improve vascular health, and lower risks of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, polyphenols exert pleiotropic benefits primarily through activation of endogenous protective pathways and modulation of gut microbiota (via gut-heart and gut-brain axes), rather than direct radical neutralization. These effects are more consistent with complex natural food sources than isolated compounds.
Keywords: oxidative stress, aging, polyphenols, antioxidants, gut microbiota, bioavailability.
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