In this year of 2023, what progress have researchers made in the field of antiaging research? Some molecules have already demonstrated effectiveness in model organisms and humans, so let’s take a look.
NMN and NR
To overcome the ongoing battle against a host of age-related diseases caused by DNA damage, our bodies employ a group of protective proteins called sirtuins that actively repair DNA and enhance genome stability. This remarkable family of proteins also tends to our cellular powerhouses (mitochondria), driving cellular energy metabolism and mitigating the build-up of reactive oxygen species (ROS) – compounds that induce oxidative stress. To power sirtuins, our cells require adequate pools of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+).
Given that NAD+ levels decline significantly with age, researchers have investigated NAD+ precursors that can replenish this life-sustaining molecule: nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR). These NAD+ precursors are most recognized for their ability to restore NAD+ levels and stimulate sirtuin activity, both of which help extend the lifespan of yeast, worms, and flies.
In humans and some model organisms, NMN supplementation has been shown to increase muscle strength, improve exercise endurance, prevent cognitive impairment, and inhibit cancer cell growth. On the other hand, researchers have found that NR can alleviate Parkinson’s disease, reduce brain damage from stroke, and stop age-related hearing loss. Taken together, NMN and NR are the front-runners among existing anti-aging interventions.
Resveratrol
Caloric restriction (CR): Caloric restriction in the context of good nutrition is one of the more popular and battle-tested dietary interventions and has been closely linked to longevity, extending life in a variety of species from fruit flies to mice. Lifespan of model organisms.
The benefit of CR is its ability to inhibit activation of the enzymatic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a nutrient-sensing complex that regulates cell growth and protein synthesis. As a result, aging researchers have identified the compound resveratrol, a plant-based polyphenol found in wine, blueberries, and certain nuts, as a powerful mTOR inhibitor. So for those looking to get the benefits of CR without dieting, it may be worth trying resveratrol.
Resveratrol is also a powerful sirtuin activator and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a prime candidate for anti-aging intervention. Additionally, resveratrol revitalizes autophagy—the removal of toxic cellular waste and debris that accumulates with age.
Autophagy plays an important role in limiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, all of which are known hallmarks of aging and disease. However, aging naturally slows down this important process, ultimately disrupting cellular homeostasis and overall health. Currently, autophagy activators have become a hot research topic in the field of aging, and data continue to highlight the effectiveness of resveratrol in stimulating autophagy.
Scientists have identified resveratrol as a potent activator of AMPK, an enzyme that, when activated, promotes lifespan extension, increases sugar and fat metabolism for energy, and stimulates autophagy. Recently, resveratrol was shown to delay cardiac and skeletal muscle aging by activating autophagy, further demonstrating its potential to mitigate known hallmarks of aging.
Berberine (berberine)
Of the many compounds linked to longevity, one has stood the test of time and remains at the center of several age-related studies in 2023: berberine, a compound used in traditional Chinese medicine Natural compounds dating back centuries. In addition to enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms and AMPK activity, studies have shown that berberine exerts neuroprotective effects in vitro, improves memory, alleviates liver disease, and inhibits cancer cell growth.
What’s more, this organic compound is primarily known for its powerful cardioprotective effects, which research now suggests is related to berberine’s function as an anti-aging agent, which can selectively target and eliminate aging. Cells – disease-promoting cells that have stopped proliferating.
Senescent cells accumulate with age and sprout in multiple tissues, causing chronic systemic inflammation and organ degeneration. Additionally, these zombie-like cells contribute to the development of a variety of age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, cancer, and heart disease.
Cellular senescence appears to be an unstoppable force, and anti-aging agents like berberine can target multiple age-related pathways, meaning that berberine could potentially be used to target multiple age-related pathways simultaneously. disease. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Quercetin
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, is a promising anti-aging therapy because it enhances anti-aging stimulation, exhibits anti-tumor effects, and significantly inhibits oxidation Stress and inflammation.
Although quercetin alone has been shown to improve aging characteristics such as cardiac dysfunction,
multiple studies have shown that combining quercetin with dasatinib (D+Q) yields more favorable results in terms of longevity benefits.
Additionally, rodent studies show that this anti-aging cocktail promotes muscle regeneration and delays age-related muscle weakness.
Uniquely, D+Q also stimulated the activation of a longevity-related protein called a-klotho,
which, when overactivated, has been linked to increased lifespan in mice.
Currently, D+Q is undergoing clinical trials to evaluate its effects in adult survivors of childhood cancer and patients with mild cognitive impairment.
curcumin
Another popular supplement in the longevity world is curcumin, the main active compound in the spice turmeric. Similar to other longevity-related compounds, curcumin inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation,
which has shown to help improve learning and memory in mice. The fact that curcumin exerts neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s models further suggests that curcumin may attenuate age-related cognitive decline.
In addition to halting brain aging, research shows curcumin may also slow down muscle decline, another hallmark of aging. Specifically, scientists found that curcumin increases muscle strength and exercise endurance, both of which decrease dramatically with age. Overall, current evidence strongly supports curcumin as a supplement to halt common features of aging.
Paving the way to better health and longer life
The field of aging research has opened up a new world of possibilities for anti-aging and overall health.
The emergence of anti-aging supplements such as NMN, NR, resveratrol, berberine,
quercetin and curcumin has allowed us to see the power of these interventions in transforming health and enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. potential.
As aging scientists continue to unravel the complex mechanisms behind these compounds linked to longevity,
there is a clearer understanding of their potential therapeutic applications and their ability to enhance human health. This will pave the way for a future of optimized health.
Literature reference:
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