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Epidemiological
data and laboratory studies provide increasing evidence
of the role of phytonutrients in the diet, in healthy
aging and longevity. Researchers in the late 1970s noted
that residents in certain areas of France who avidly consumed
red wine, had lower incidence of heart disease than other
Western populations, even though their diets were high
in fat. This is the well known French Paradox which led
to the discovery of the healthful role of antioxidant
polyphenols in red wine.
Oxidative stress resulting from free radical pathology
is believed to accelerate aging. Vital components of
the cell such as the mitochondria (the energy centers),
functional proteins, lipids and DNA are damaged by free
radicals. Cross linking and glycation of proteins, such
as collagen, results in the formation of advanced glycation
end products (AGE) which accumulate with age, and induce
stiffening of cartilage and extracellular matrix, resulting
in cataracts in the eyes and arthritis in the joints.
In the cardiovascular system, aging is associated with
a decrease in elasticity and an increase in stiffness
of the arteries. Glucose tolerance progressively declines
with age, and there is a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes
in the aging population. Kidney functions, liver functions
and sensory perception also deteriorate with age, and
the skin loses elasticity and texture. Malabsorption
of vital nutrients in the elderly, results in a compromised
immune system and lowered resistance to infection. Hormonal
imbalances associated with menopause and aging, affect
bone turnover, muscle mass, strength, appearance and
mental capabilities. In males, aging is often associated
with impaired prostate functions.
Biomarkers or physiological indices of aging include
lean body mass, bone density, strength, BMR (basal metabolic
rate), body fat percentage, aerobic capacity, blood
pressure, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol/HDL ratio,
memory / cognitive functions, immune functions and body
temperature regulation. Nutritional interventions potentially
improve cellular resistance to oxidative stress, and
enhance the quality of life during aging. A few examples
are presented here.
The antioxidant effects of curcuminoids from turmeric,
(and their derivative tetrahydrocurcuminoids), combined
with their known inhibitory effects on proinflammatory
enzymes such as Cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) render them
useful as ingredients in nutraceutical formulations
for antiaging support, and in topical formulations designed
to maintain general skin health and integrity. Tetrahydrocurcuminoids
have also been found to inhibit the activity of tyrosinase,
an enzyme that participates in melanogenesis, and offer
protection against inflammation induced by ultraviolet
rays, with potential applications in lightening age
spots and in offering protection against sun damage.
Thus curcuminoids and their derivatives potentially
offer mutifunctioanl support to healthy aging.
Selenium in bioavailable organic forms (such as L(+)
Selenomethionine found in cereals and other plant foods,
and Methylselenocysteine, found in selenium enriched
garlic and broccoli) is reported to support immune functions,
manifest antiviral effects and inhibit tumor proliferation.
The largest ever prostate cancer prevention clinical
trial with 32,000 subjects, The Selenium and Vitamin
E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) sponsored by the
National Cancer Institute in the U.S. is currently underway,
and seeks to study the health benefits of Selenium (as
Selenomethionine*) and vitamin E, in this context. An
associated trial Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
by vitamin E and Selenium (PREADVISE) is also in progress.
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Recent research also established
the link between obesity and the development of
Type 2 diabetes, suggesting mechanisms for nutraceutical
interventions. Researchers identified a mechanism
that helps explain how the hormone leptin (originally
termed the “satiety signal”), is involved
in the metabolism of fatty acids in muscle. Recent
studies suggest that Garcinia cambogia extract efficiently
improved glucose metabolism and displayed leptin-like
activity in mice.1 Garcinia
cambogia extract (such as Citrin? products from
Sabinsa Corporation) is a well known dietary supplement
that supports weight loss and healthy body composition. |
Do nutraceuticals hold the key to longevity? Calorie
restriction is reported to prolong life span in laboratory
animals. A study on yeast showed that increasing the
activity of a single gene, SIR2 could
extend their life span. An analogous gene, SIRT1 was
located in humans. Polyphenols such as quercetin found
in apples and tea, and resveratrol (found in grapes
and red wine) were found to increase SRT1 activity in
a laboratory screening. Interestingly, resveratrol was
found to increase SRT1 activity 13-fold.2
Future research will identify similar roles for other
antioxidant nutraceuticals, as well.
References:1. Hayamizu K et al. (2003) Fitoterapia.
74(3):267-73. 2. Hall, S.S. (2003) Science 301(5637):1165
Contact Sabinsa Corporation for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical
ingredients that support healthy aging.
• SeleniumSelect®, Sabinsa’s
trademarked product is being used in this study
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