Mechanistic Basis of Sarcopenia and Nutritional Interventions for Combating Muscle Atrophy

Sarcopenia, the progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and function with age, represents a major contributor to frailty, disability, and reduced quality of life in the elderly. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial, encompassing cellular, molecular, and systemic alterations. Mechanistically, sarcopenia is driven by satellite cell dysfunction, impaired regenerative capacity, mitochondrial decline, chronic low-grade inflammation, neuromuscular junction instability, and dysregulated proteostasis involving the ubiquitin–proteasome and autophagy– lysosome systems. Additional factors such as hormonal decline, oxidative stress, altered myokine signaling, and fiber-type transitions further exacerbate skeletal muscle atrophy. These interlinked processes collectively result in impaired muscle plasticity, reduced contractile strength, and progressive degeneration of type II fibers. Given the complexity of its mechanisms, nutritional interventions, particularly dietary supplements and natural products, have attracted considerable attention as potential modulators of sarcopenia. Hence, in the present study, the literature was scanned using standard databases and keywords related to ‘natural products and diet used in sarcopenia’ to identify research papers and reviews that were reviewed to compile the present review. It was found that some bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (such as resveratrol and curcumin), flavonoids (such as quercetin and catechins), omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, and plant-derived adaptogens, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial- protective effects. These nutraceuticals not only counteract oxidative and inflammatory damage but also enhance anabolic signaling, mitochondrial biogenesis, and neuromuscular stability, thereby supporting muscle preservation and functional recovery. Emerging evidence suggests that combining such natural compounds with adequate protein intake and exercise may synergistically mitigate sarcopenia-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. This review consolidates current mechanistic insights into sarcopenia and critically evaluates the role of dietary supplements and natural products as promising, safe, and accessible interventions. Understanding the interplay between molecular pathways and nutritional modulation provides a foundation for developing effective strategies to combat age-related muscle decline.