A method for (i) increasing resistance to age-related pathologies, (ii) improving a physiological state or disorder related to cell ageing, (iii) improving a physiological state linked to metabolic fatigue in one or more cells, (iv) increasing mitochondrial energy in one or more cells, (v) increasing antioxidant capacity, reducing oxidative stress and/or enhancing mitochondrial function, (vi) improving mobility and/or (vii) improving healthspan and/or lifespan in an individual comprising administering a composition comprising a compound having the general formula I, in an effective amount to the individual
- wherein R1 and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of OH;
- OCH3;
- O-aliphatic saturated or unsaturated acyl, O-glycoside;
- acylated O-glycoside;
- sulfated O-glycoside;
- or a sulfate,
- R2, R4, and R5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH;
- OCH3;
- O-glycoside;
- C-glycoside;
- acylated O-glycoside;
- acylated C-glycoside;
- sulfated O-glycoside;
- sulfated C-glycoside;
- a halogen;
- a primary, secondary, or tertiary alcohol;
- a ketone;
- an aldehyde;
- an ester;
- a primary, secondary, or tertiary amine;
- a primary or secondary amide;
- a cyano;
- a nitro;
- a sulfonate;
- a sulfate;
- substituted and branched C1 to C20 alkyl;
- substituted and branched, C2 to C20 alkenyl;
- substituted and branched, C4 to C20 polyalkenyl;
- substituted and branched C2 to C20 alkynyl, and substituted and branched C4 to C20 polyalkynyl,
- and a derivative or analogue thereof, a OCH3 group can cyclize with a neighboring OH group to form a methylene dioxy bridge.