Author Mike Montemarano from Nutraceuticals World takes a look at ingredients that aim to extend health span from a cellular level.

Science continues to evolve on the human body and how there are key markers in human cells and DNA that can give us a better idea on the aging process.  With this new knowledge, many specialty ingredients are coming to the forefront to help try to set back our cellular clock.

Hallmarks of Biological Age

“Even though there is still no consensus about whether aging is biologically programmed, almost all gerontologists agree aging is a clinical disease responsible for the vast majority of deaths among the world’s populations,” said Marianne McDonagh, Vice President of Sales for Bioenergy Life Science, Inc.

Telomerase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the maintenance and protection of our DNA.  It is responsible for the extension and preservation of telomeres, which protect caps found at the ends of our chromosomes.  The production of telomerase declines with age, and the shortening of telomeres has been linked to various age-related diseases.

Another important process that has been linked to cellular health is the process of senescence.  This is where the cells are unable to continue to multiply even in optimal conditions.  This process increases with age and can cause cells to express pro-inflammatory cytokines and other toxins that impair tissue function. 

“All of these hallmarks represent a reason why the aging of our cells can affect our lives significantly.  With a longer lifespan, we don’t always experience a longer health span or high quality of life,” said Shawn Baier, Vice President of Business Development at TSI Group. “It is important to note that supplementation won’t completely reverse cellular aging, but it can address some of the negative effects connected to it.”

 Emerging Ingredients

Researchers are looking at ingredients to address cellular health, specifically looks at two primary outcomes:

  • Inducing the death of senescent cells

  • Improving mechanical integrity of healthy cells

TSI Group has recently launched the branded compound Hobamine (2-HOBA).  A recent NIH-funded study published in Inflammation showed that 2-HOBA was linked to positive changes in 15 inflammatory biomarkers in two small cohorts of younger and older adults.  This ingredient has the potential to ameliorate age-related declines in the immune system’s ability to self-limit its responses.  2-HOBA works as a scavenger of a pro-inflammatory reactive lipid called IsoLG.  This can help to prevent the body’s formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from cascading out of control.  As a result, ROS are neutralized before they react with DNA, proteins, and other components of the cell.

To read more about this topic please follow the link below to the full article in Nutraceuticals World magazine.