Modulation of mitochondrial DNA copy number: therapeutic potential of phytochemicals and plant extracts-a comprehensive review

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) is a critical marker of mitochondrial health and plays a key role in cellular bioenergetics. Alterations in mtDNA-CN have been associated with aging, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have revealed that various plant-derived extracts, as well as the secondary metabolites they produce, known as phytochemicals, can modulate mtDNA-CN through mechanisms including the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, and mtDNA repair. This review examines plant-derived extracts and phytochemical compounds from a wide range of plant species- including Ginkgo biloba, Crocus sativus, Curcumin and many others- able to modulate mtDNA dynamics, scavenging oxygen free radicals and improving antioxidant defense systems.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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