Herbal extract found to increase lifespan

[freeztar]

The herbal extract of a yellow-flowered mountain plant indigenous to the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia increased the lifespan of fruit fly populations, according to a University of California, Irvine study.

Flies that ate a diet rich with Rhodiola rosea, an herbal supplement long used for its purported stress-relief effects, lived on an average of 10 percent longer than fly groups that didn’t eat the herb. Study results appear in the online version of Rejuvenation Research.

“Although this study does not present clinical evidence that Rhodiola can extend human life, the finding that it does extend the lifespan of a model organism, combined with its known health benefits in humans, make this herb a promising candidate for further anti-aging research,” said Mahtab Jafari, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences and study leader. “Our results reveal that Rhodiola is worthy of continued study, and we are now investigating why this herb works to increase lifespan.”

In their study, the UC Irvine researchers fed adult fruit fly populations diets supplemented at different dose levels with four herbs known for their anti-aging properties. The herbs were mixed into a yeast paste, which adult flies ate for the duration of their lives. Three of the herbs – known by their Chinese names as Lu Duo Wei, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and San Zhi Pian – had no effect on fruit fly longevity, while Rhodiola was found to significantly reduce mortality. On average, Rhodiola increased survival 3.5 days in males and 3.2 days in females.

Rhodiola rosea, also known as the golden root, grows in cold climates at high altitudes and has been used by Scandinavians and Russians for centuries for its anti-stress qualities. The herb is thought to have anti-oxidative properties and has been widely studied.

Soviet researchers have been studying Rhodiola since the 1940s on athletes and cosmonauts, finding that the herb boosts the body’s response to stress. And earlier this year, a Nordic Journal of Psychiatry study on people with mild-to-moderate depression showed that patients taking a Rhodiola extract called SHR-5 reported fewer symptoms of depression than did those who took a placebo.

Jafari said she is evaluating the molecular mechanism of Rhodiola by measuring its impact on energy metabolism, oxidative stress and anti-oxidant defenses in fruit flies. She is also beginning studies in mice and in mouse and human cell cultures. These latter studies should help understand the benefits of Rhodiola seen in human trials.

Source: University of California, Irvine

[Tenzing Jampa]

Hey freeztar, its nice your thread is clear and understandable, can i say little bit about Herbs Herbs are best weapons to fight against heart diseases. Herbs not only repair the damage but also reduce your cholesterol levels. Some of the herbs best for your heart are:
Hawthorn Berries
Hawthorn berries heal and repair heart tissue; while giving soothing effect to the heart.
Oswego Tea
The erect square, grooved stems of this perennial grows up to three feet tall, bear greenish rough leaves ds. The Oswego Indians of western New York made tea from the dried aromatic leaves of Monarda didyma. It has number of medicinal properties.
Nice to see your thread here

[freeztar]

Originally Posted by Tenzing Jampa

Nice to see your thread here

It seems like you would enjoy this thread on Herbs and Herbal Remedies:
Herbs and Herbal Supplements

[CraigD]

An important quote to be had from this article, I think, is

“Although this study does not present clinical evidence that Rhodiola can extend human life, ...”

Hence, a more accurate title would be “Herbal extract found to increase lifespan of fruit flies from an average of about 37 days to about 40 to 41 days.”

Mahtab Jafari’s study appears to be good, replicable science, which I hope leads to more study of Rhodiola in non-humans and humans. In usual doses, it appears to be a safe and beneficial medicine. However, it would be very premature, I think, to expect it to have a significant effect on long term health and lifespan in humans.

Additionally, Rhodiola appears to be a herb not to be taken lightly, or in extraordinary doses. It’s believed to be a MAOI, which carries with it significant risk of potentially life-threatening food (especially dairy) and drug interaction. It’s also believed to stimulate the release of beta endorphins, so is likely to be mildly addictive, in a manner similar to common mild stimulants such as coffee.

Originally Posted by Tenzing Jampa

Hawthorn berries heal and repair heart tissue; while giving soothing effect to the heart.

Welcome to hypography, Tenzing! I look forward to your sharing your knowledge of herbal medicine and others things scientific.

A gentle reminder of hypography’s rules, particularly to “in general, back up your claims by using links or references.” Although claims such as yours are common in many alternative medicine communities, in a science forum such as hypography, they should be backed up by scientific theory and/or evidence. To “heal and repair heart tissue” is a very specific claim, which requires sound scientific support. In the course of attempting to find such support, you may discover that such claims are less supported than you originally believed.

[Michaelangelica]

Ginseng is also good for circulation
Don't use too much at the satrt IF you have High BP (SEE Stephen Fulder "Ginseng the Root of Being)

I THINK this plant (Rhodiola rosea) is available from Richters in Canada.
Do you think it would survive sub-tropical Sydney?

[Moontanman]

Originally Posted by Michaelangelica

Ginseng is also good for circulation
Don't use too much at the satrt IF you have High BP (SEE Stephen Fulder "Ginseng the Root of Being)

I THINK this plant (Rhodiola rosea) is available from Richters in Canada.
Do you think it would survive sub-tropical Sydney?

While I think that herb can be a great stress relever I think the most important part of this post is that Jafari is really 115 years old..... sorry I couldn't help my self, beat me whip me make me write bad checks.....