Biology faculties and students from the Hillyer College of Arts & Sciences (HCA&S) at the University of Hartford have published an invited narrative review article examining the potential of plant-derived compounds to prevent and manage sarcopenia, an age-related condition characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance.
The article, “Phytochemical-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Sarcopenia: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Translation,” explores how phytochemicals—including flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids—may target multiple biological pathways involved in muscle aging. The review highlights emerging evidence that these compounds may influence anabolic signaling, mitochondrial function, inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy, and muscle regeneration.
Importantly, the authors emphasize that phytochemicals should be viewed as potential complementary strategies rather than replacements for established interventions. Resistance exercise and adequate protein intake remain foundational approaches for maintaining muscle health. The review also identifies important challenges for translating promising laboratory findings into clinical practice, including bioavailability, formulation and dosing variability, limited long-term randomized trials, and inconsistent measures of functional outcomes.
The publication also highlights the value of interdisciplinary undergraduate research mentorship at UHart. Biology freshman Hailey Sofia, Health Science sophomore Nicole Amoah, and Exercise Science sophomore Aidan Quee contributed to the project under the mentorship of Biology Professors Thomas-Charles and Le-Chan.
Professor Thomas-Charles brings expertise in phytochemical biology and cellular responses, with research focused on understanding how plant-derived compounds interact with eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Her work integrates approaches from molecular genetics, microbiology, cell biology, and immunology to investigate the biological effects of phytochemicals.
Professor Le-Chan contributes expertise in musculoskeletal physiology, endocrinology, and teaching & learning innovations, with research interests focused on aging and metabolic disease, the protective effects of exercise, and physiological responses to disease. She is also a leading scholar in innovative physiology education.
Together, the faculty and student research team demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration across biology, health science, and exercise science can provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage in contemporary biomedical research. The work also highlights UHart's commitment to integrating undergraduate students into scholarly research and connecting fundamental biological mechanisms with important challenges in human health and aging.