Bioactive compounds from the annonaceae family in aging-associated prostate cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by progressive molecular and cellular changes that increase susceptibility to chronic diseases, including cancer. Prostate cancer (PCa) is strongly associated with advanced aging and is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, with an estimated 1.5 million new cases annually. Aging-related processes such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic reprogramming are closely involved in PCa. Therefore, elucidating the biological mechanisms underlying aging and identifying factors capable of modulating them are essential for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing the impact of age on PCa. The Annonaceae family has been recognized as a potential source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating cellular and molecular pathways involved in aging-associated PCa. This narrative review summarizes current experimental evidence regarding the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, and biological activities of underutilized species of the Annonaceae family, with emphasis on Annona muricata , Annona crassiflora , Annona squamosa , Annona vepretorum , Annona globiflora , and Anonidium mannii . Preclinical evidence, primarily from in vitro and animal studies, indicates that these compounds have antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and oxidative stress-modulating effects in PCa experimental models. Based on the available evidence, underutilized species of the Annonaceae family appear to exhibit modulatory potential in aging-associated PCa and provide a scientific basis for future mechanistic investigations.