Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Anti-Aging

Aging refers to the gradual and irreversible degenerative changes in the structure and function of various tissues and organs of the body as they age, influenced by multiple factors such as genetics, mental stress, and environmental pollution. Aging can be classified into physiological aging and pathological aging. The former refers to the natural decline in body function and metabolism over time, such as protein degradation, tissue atrophy, reduced metabolic rate, and abnormal calcium metabolism. The latter refers to the aging state caused by various diseases. Aging is a result of the combined effects of multiple complex factors, and there are differences among different individuals. Currently, there is no unified theory that can explain all aging phenomena. Traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine have put forward various hypotheses regarding the mechanism of aging, laying a theoretical foundation for the development of anti-aging drugs.

Modern medicine proposes various theories regarding the mechanism of aging, including the free radical theory, mitochondrial DNA damage theory, genetic programming theory, telomere theory, cross-linking theory, biomembrane damage theory, chromosome mutation theory, error theory, apoptosis theory, and waste accumulation theory. Among these, the free radical theory, mitochondrial DNA damage theory, genetic programming theory, and telomere theory are particularly representative.

In traditional Chinese medicine, there are also various theories on aging, such as the theory of weakness of the five zang organs leading to aging, the theory of kidney deficiency causing aging, the theory of spleen and stomach deficiency causing aging, the theory of yin-yang imbalance causing aging, the theory of liver stagnation causing aging, and the theory of phlegm and blood stasis causing aging. Among these, the theory of kidney deficiency causing aging is widely accepted. The kidney occupies an important position in the traditional Chinese medicine theory of zang-fu organs, being referred to as the "root of life." Kidney essence maintains the physiological functions of the human body, keeping it in a dynamic balance for normal activities. When kidney qi declines, the qi of the five zang organs lacks a source, and various symptoms of aging will gradually manifest.

Chinese medicine embodies the health preservation philosophy and practical experience of the Chinese nation spanning thousands of years, serving as a treasure of Chinese civilization and embodying the vast wisdom of the Chinese people and nation. With its unique holistic view and balanced regulation approach, Chinese medicine plays a distinctive role in anti-aging.

1. Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, possesses numerous pharmacological effects such as anti-aging, anti-fatigue, anti-hypoxia, immune regulation, and cardiovascular protection. Rhodiola rosea has excellent antioxidant activity, and its content of low-molecular-weight procyanidins is up to 3.6%, which is a phenolic compound found in various fruits and vegetables with remarkable antioxidant activity. Studies have found that the ability of Rhodiola rosea's low-molecular-weight procyanidins to scavenge free radicals is stronger than that of vitamin C. Furthermore, it can significantly enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in mice, while reducing malondialdehyde content. The low-molecular-weight procyanidins of Rhodiola rosea exhibit good antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro, making it a promising natural antioxidant. Additionally, salidroside, a compound found in Rhodiola rosea, can delay aging by increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, scavenging oxygen free radicals, inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors, promoting the secretion of growth hormones, repairing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, and enhancing immune response and cholinergic function.

2. Veratrum album

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, is found in numerous plants such as nuts, peanuts, and grape skins. Its anti-aging capabilities have been verified through in vitro experiments and various animal models, including yeast, nematodes, fruit flies, fish, mice, rats, and other model organisms, where it has been shown to significantly extend lifespan. Various anti-aging mechanisms of resveratrol have been reported, primarily focusing on oxidative stress, caloric restriction, and telomeres. For instance, resveratrol acts as an antioxidant by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), scavenging free radicals, and stimulating the biosynthesis of endogenous antioxidants, thus improving age-related diseases. Research indicates that resveratrol can maintain the concentration of cellular antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, protecting tissues from ROS damage.

Moreover, caloric restriction is the only known nutritional intervention that can potentially slow down aging, and clinical trials have shown that caloric restriction can extend lifespan by 1 to 5 years, while improving healthspan and quality of life. Studies have found that resveratrol exhibits similar effects to caloric restriction in terms of anti-aging, regulating lifespan through signaling pathways such as Sir2/silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Additionally, the anti-aging mechanism of resveratrol is closely related to telomeres. Telomere length decreases gradually with age, serving as one of the hallmarks of aging. Research has revealed that resveratrol can activate Werner syndrome RecQ-like helicase (WRN) and telomerase, inducing the maintenance of telomere length and delaying aging.

3. Dodder Seed

Extracts and chemical components of dodder seed possess antioxidant properties and the ability to scavenge free radicals, regulate immune responses, protect against liver, cardiovascular, kidney, neural, or skin diseases, and delay aging. The ethanol extract of dodder seed is an effective antioxidant that prevents free radical damage on cell membranes by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting liquid peroxidation processes. Ancient records in "Tai Ping Sheng Hui Fang" mention anti-aging prescriptions using dodder seed. Dodder seed polysaccharides have been found to significantly delay aging. Some scholars have administered dodder seed polysaccharides through gastric gavage to mice with aging induced by D-galactose, observing a reduction in malondialdehyde levels in liver and kidney tissues and lipofuscin levels in brain tissue, as well as an increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. This suggests that dodder seed polysaccharides have the ability to scavenge free radicals, resist lipid peroxidation, and delay aging. Research has shown that dodder seed can regulate immune function, extend cell cycles, improve metabolic and visceral functions, and enhance stress resistance, exhibiting anti-aging effects.

4. Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Lingzhi, a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal herb, is also a medicinal fungus first recorded in "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic". Considered a traditional Chinese tonic for strengthening the body, Lingzhi has occupied an important position in Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years. Research reports indicate that polysaccharides extracted from Lingzhi possess various physiological benefits, including anti-tumor, immune-modulating, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effects. Multiple Lingzhi extracts exhibit anti-aging properties, primarily through antioxidant, immune-modulating, and anti-neurodegenerative mechanisms. Polysaccharides extracted from Lingzhi entities exhibit good antioxidant activity, with excellent reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging ability, and oxygen radical scavenging capacity. Aging can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells, and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity. The mitochondrial lifespan extension mediated by Lingzhi ethanol extract plays a crucial role in the aging process, as it produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and exerts anti-aging protective effects by increasing basal metabolic rate or inhibiting the aging acceleration process. Lingzhi ethanol extract primarily protects the hearts, livers, and brains of mice from aging through its antioxidant effects. In aged mice, the use of Lingzhi ethanol extract has been shown to reduce intracellular ROS levels, thus delaying the aging process. Additionally, Lingzhi ethanol extract can increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and manganese superoxide dismutase in the mitochondria of the hearts, livers, and brains of aged mice. Researchers have also found that Lingzhi polysaccharide peptides are effective antioxidants against the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with stable angina and high-risk individuals.

5. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Roselle, with its vivid color, aesthetic appearance, ease of cultivation, and excellent edible and medicinal value, has been experimentally proven to significantly enhance the antioxidant capacity of human plasma and urine after a single oral administration of its aqueous extract. It also significantly reduces malondialdehyde levels in urine, demonstrating its in vivo antioxidant capacity. Roselle's in vitro antioxidant capacity has also been verified, showing remarkable DPPH radical scavenging ability. In studies using Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the health-related effects and potential molecular mechanisms of roselle's aqueous extract, treatment with the extract significantly prolonged the lifespan of the worms and reduced age-related declines in motor function. Roselle's antioxidant capacity has also been confirmed in skin beauty and anti-aging applications. Research shows that the combined use of roselle, collagen, and vitamin C can promote the neutralization of harmful external stimuli, anti-inflammatory effects, and protein synthesis, making it a reasonable and safe choice for adjuvant treatment of skin aging and skin-related chronic inflammation.

6. Chinese Wolfberry (Gouqi)

Chinese Wolfberry, a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has now become a widely popular functional food with various beneficial effects such as reducing blood sugar, lowering blood lipids, and anti-aging. Research has been conducted on certain components of the fruit, particularly the polysaccharide component. Extracts from Chinese Wolfberry exhibit significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects on rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes/hyperlipidemia, along with strong antioxidant activity. The main identified bioactive components include polysaccharides and vitamin antioxidants. Crude extracts of Chinese Wolfberry are rich in antioxidant components such as carotenoids, ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, and coumarin (scopoletin), which contribute to its antioxidant properties. The antioxidant components in Chinese Wolfberry fruits are related to their hypolipidemic effects. In studies on improving sub-health conditions in mice, it was found that polysaccharides from Chinese Wolfberry can enhance the antioxidant capacity of sub-healthy mice, effectively improve their immunity, and protect immune organs such as the thymus. Additionally, polysaccharides from Chinese Wolfberry exhibit anti-fatigue abilities in sub-healthy mice. Polysaccharides from Chinese Wolfberry possess a certain degree of free radical scavenging ability, which is further enhanced with increasing concentration. Although they cannot enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase, they can inhibit lipid peroxidation at the cellular and tissue levels to a certain extent, demonstrating antioxidant effects.

7. Rehmannia

Rehmannia, an essential Chinese medicinal herb with a long history of medicinal use, is one of the renowned "Four Great Huai Medicines" and possesses significant medicinal value, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer activities, as well as cardiovascular protection. Mature Rehmannia exhibits strong antioxidant activity and a high free radical scavenging rate. Its antioxidant activity increases with concentration, providing valuable insights for further research on its biological activities and pharmacological effects. Recent studies have revealed that the primary component of mature Rehmannia is a neutral polysaccharide. Among the functional medicinal components, the neutral polysaccharide from mature Rehmannia can regulate the daf-2 and daf-16 genes through the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway, thus enhancing the stress resistance and extending the lifespan of nematodes. Traditional processing of Rehmannia involves repeated steaming and drying, and the nine-steamed variety is the most commonly consumed form. Expanding Rehmannia under pressure leads to a significant increase in solid extraction rate, and its antioxidant capacity determined by free radical scavenging assays is enhanced under increasing expansion pressures. Additionally, the expansion of Rehmannia enhances its inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6).

8. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza)

As a typical Chinese herbal medicine, Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for approximately 2000 years. Licorice possesses various pharmacological effects related to its antioxidant capabilities. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, Licorice invigorates the spleen, supplements qi, clears heat, and detoxifies. Modern medicine also recognizes Licorice's diverse pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, and neuroprotective properties, making it an effective antidote. These pharmacological effects may be related to its antioxidant abilities. Ethanol extraction of Licorice results in Licorice ethanol extract, which effectively protects against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage. One of the mechanisms for this protective effect is free radical scavenging, achieved by donating hydrogen atoms or electrons. Its antioxidant capacity is mainly attributed to the flavonoids or phenolic compounds in Licorice. In a study using mice as a model to investigate the antioxidant capacity and hypoglycemic effect of Licorice polysaccharides, the high-dose group showed significant differences in total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein compared to the model group. It also significantly increased the content of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total glutathione, while significantly reducing malondialdehyde content, indicating that Licorice polysaccharides possess good antioxidant properties and can reduce blood sugar by improving lipid metabolism and oxidative stress levels in type 1 diabetic mice.

9. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizomes of plants belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and the arum family (Araceae), is widely used as a spice and food additive worldwide. Scientific research has confirmed that curcumin possesses various activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-rheumatic, and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, curcumin exhibits anti-aging activity, capable of preventing and reversing some common aging symptoms in model animals. The anti-aging mechanism of curcumin is primarily related to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. Evidence of curcumin delaying aging through antioxidant effects has been found in animal models such as nematodes, fruit flies, yeast, and mice. Curcumin can scavenge ROS and regulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and catalase. Furthermore, curcumin acts as a caloric restriction mimetic to delay aging. In mouse experiments, curcumin treatment groups exhibited similar phenotypes to caloric restriction, significantly promoting SIRT1 expression and reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, research has found that curcumin can extend lifespan by regulating key genes or pathways related to aging, such as NF-κB, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), mTOR, p53, the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein family, and cyclins, which involve multiple pathways such as inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and autophagy.

References

[1] Zhang Xinlei, Wang Jiachuan, Zhao Hong. Research Progress in Anti-Aging of Traditional Chinese Medicine [J]. Shenzhen Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2023, 33(02): 129-133.

[2] Sun Xiaokang, Zhang Yanyan, Zhang Xiaoyuan, Liu Yingmei, Zhang Xiuhua, Sun Xinxiao, Chen Mian, Liu Fei. Research Progress in Aging Mechanisms and Anti-Aging Treatments [J]. Food and Drug, 2022, 24(01): 74-80.

[3] Hu Kexin, Han Limin. Research Progress in Major Anti-Aging Drugs [J]. Chemistry of Life, 2021, 41(09): 1891-1899.

About the Author

Xiaomichong, a pharmaceutical quality researcher, has been committed to pharmaceutical quality research and drug analysis method validation for a long time. Currently employed by a large domestic pharmaceutical research and development company, she is engaged in drug inspection and analysis as well as method validation.