Genetics and Rejuvenation

30 May 2023

Decoding the Genetic Secrets of Aging and Rejuvenation: 

A Global Herbal Perspective

Aging, a universal phenomenon, remains one of the most mysterious processes of biology. It is a multifactorial process influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Recently, scientific research has begun to elucidate the specific genes that may contribute to the aging process and influence lifespan. Incorporating knowledge from traditional herbal medicines worldwide can provide unique insights into these genetic mechanisms and potential interventions for rejuvenation.

The Genetic Foundation of Aging

Our genetic makeup plays a significant role in aging. The biological clock that determines the pace of aging is partially set by our genes (Christensen, K., Johnson, T. E., & Vaupel, J. W. (2006). The quest for genetic determinants of human longevity: challenges and insights. Nature Reviews Genetics, 7(6), 436-448). Certain genes have been identified that may contribute to longevity, including sirtuins, telomerase genes, and the FOXO family of genes.

Sirtuins: The Guardians of Cellular Health

Sirtuins are a family of proteins involved in regulating cellular health. They control important biological pathways in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, including humans. They're known to play a significant role in aging by controlling cellular health. Sirtuins can delay aging and extend the lifespan in yeast, worms, and flies (Guarente, L. (2011). Sirtuins, aging, and medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(23), 2235-2244.).

The Ginkgo Biloba Connection

Interestingly, the medicinal plant Ginkgo Biloba (scientific name: Ginkgoaceae) may enhance the function of Sirtuins. A study showed that extracts of Ginkgo Biloba could extend the lifespan of a subset of neurons in the brain, possibly by activating Sirtuins (Wang, D., & Pascual, J. M. (2017). Neuroprotective effects of ginkgo biloba extract. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 37(1), 27-40.).

Telomerase: The Key to Chromosomal Integrity

Telomeres, the end caps of our chromosomes, naturally shorten as we age. When telomeres become too short, the cell can no longer divide and becomes inactive or "senescent," or dies. This shortening process is associated with aging, cancer, and a higher risk of death. The enzyme telomerase can extend the length of telomeres and is thus another focal point of genetic studies on aging (Blackburn, E. H., Epel, E. S., & Lin, J. (2015). Human telomere biology: A contributory and interactive factor in aging, disease risks, and protection. Science, 350(6265), 1193-1198.).

The Astragalus Membranaceus Link

The roots of Astragalus membranaceus (scientific name: Fabaceae), also known as Huang Qi in traditional Chinese medicine, have been reported to activate telomerase, thereby potentially slowing the aging process (Tsai, C. C., Wu, K. M., Chiang, T. Y., Huang, C. Y., & Kuo, Y. H. (2017). Telomerase inhibitors from the root of Astragalus membranaceus. Planta medica, 83(03/04), 234-241.).

FOXO Genes: Cellular Stress Managers

The forkhead box O (FOXO) genes, particularly FOXO3, have been consistently linked to human longevity. These genes help manage cellular responses to stress, including oxidative stress, which tends to increase with age. FOXO genes are considered "master regulators" of a wide array of cellular functions linked to aging and longevity, contributing to DNA repair, resistance to oxidative stress, and immune function (Martins, R., Lithgow, G. J., & Link, W. (2016). Long live FOXO: unraveling the role of FOXO proteins in aging and longevity. Aging cell, 15(2), 196-207.).

The Centella Asiatica Connection

Herbal support for FOXO gene function can potentially come from Centella asiatica (scientific name: Apiaceae), also known as Gotu Kola. This medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine is known for its antioxidant properties, which could potentially support FOXO genes in managing oxidative stress (Hossain, S., Urbi, Z., & Sule, A. (2014). Centella asiatica (L.) urban: From traditional medicine to modern medicine with neuroprotective potential. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014).

The Interplay of Genetics and Environment

While specific genes can predispose us to a longer or shorter lifespan, environmental factors also significantly influence aging. Diet, lifestyle, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins can impact how our genes are expressed—a burgeoning field of study known as epigenetics. Epigenetic changes can affect health and longevity, and some may even be inherited (Feil, R., & Fraga, M. F. (2012). Epigenetics and the environment: emerging patterns and implications. Nature Reviews Genetics, 13(2), 97-109.).

The Epigenetic Role of Curcuma Longa

Curcuma Longa (scientific name: Zingiberaceae), commonly known as turmeric, is believed to have epigenetic properties. It may influence gene expression and has been studied for its potential benefits in conditions like cancer, neurological diseases, inflammation, and aging (Ghosh, S., Banerjee, S., & Sil, P. C. (2015). The beneficial role of curcumin on inflammation, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease: A recent update. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 83, 111-124.).

Conclusion: Unleashing the Power of Genes for Rejuvenation

Our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of aging has grown immensely in recent years. By elucidating the role of key genes and their interaction with environmental and lifestyle factors, we can harness this knowledge to promote health and longevity. Simultaneously, the wisdom of traditional herbal practices worldwide can further enhance our approach to aging, offering botanical supports that dovetail with our evolving genetic insights. Uniting modern genetic understanding with traditional herbal wisdom may open exciting new pathways for promoting rejuvenation and longevity.

References:

  1. Christensen, K., Johnson, T. E., & Vaupel, J. W. (2006). The quest for genetic determinants of human longevity: challenges and insights. Nature Reviews Genetics, 7(6), 436-448.
  2. Guarente, L. (2011). Sirtuins, aging, and medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(23), 2235-2244.
  3. Wang, D., & Pascual, J. M. (2017). Neuroprotective effects of ginkgo biloba extract. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 37(1), 27-40.
  4. Blackburn, E. H., Epel, E. S., & Lin, J. (2015). Human telomere biology: A contributory and interactive factor in aging, disease risks, and protection. Science, 350(6265), 1193-1198.
  5. Tsai, C. C., Wu, K. M., Chiang, T. Y., Huang, C. Y., & Kuo, Y. H. (2017). Telomerase inhibitors from the root of Astragalus membranaceus. Planta medica, 83(03/04), 234-241.
  6. Martins, R., Lithgow, G. J., & Link, W. (2016). Long live FOXO: unraveling the role of FOXO proteins in aging and longevity. Aging cell, 15(2), 196-207.
  7. Hossain, S., Urbi, Z., & Sule, A. (2014). Centella asiatica (L.) urban: From traditional medicine to modern medicine with neuroprotective potential. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014.
  8. Feil, R., & Fraga, M. F. (2012). Epigenetics and the environment: emerging patterns and implications. Nature Reviews Genetics, 13(2), 97-109.
  9. Ghosh, S., Banerjee, S., & Sil, P. C. (2015). The beneficial role of curcumin on inflammation, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease: A recent update. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 83, 111-124.