Ageing
All living things experience the natural phenomena of ageing or the process of getting older. Our bodies start going through a complicated sequence of changes as soon as we are born, and these changes eventually cause us to age. A broad subject, the biology of ageing includes many molecular, cellular, and systemic processes [1].
Understanding the fundamental causes of ageing and creating remedies to stop or slow down the ageing process has become more popular in recent years.
Ageing theories
The biology of ageing can be explained by many ideas. These hypotheses provide light on how intricate and dynamic the ageing process is. Several well-known ideas about ageing include:
Genetic theory: These beliefs suggest that a person's genetic makeup controls how old they become. According to the genetic clock idea, an organism's pace of ageing is controlled by a predefined genetic program. This hypothesis states that our genes carry instructions that define an individual's maximum lifetime.
Telomere Theory: With each cell division, telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes—get shorter. According to the Telomere Theory of Aging, telomere shortening over time causes cellular malfunction, which in turn accelerates the ageing process. Cells can no longer divide and turn senescent, or experience programmed cell death when telomeres are dangerously short [2].
According to the notion of oxidative stress, the buildup of oxidative damage in cells and tissues is what causes ageing. When there is an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species and a cell's capacity to neutralize them with antioxidants, oxidative stress results.
The accumulating oxidative damage over time might lead to cellular malfunction and speed up ageing.
Chronic inflammation, which is characterized by ongoing immune system activity, has been connected to accelerated ageing. According to the Inflammation
Theory of Aging, chronic inflammation over time causes organ dysfunction and tissue damage, which accelerates the ageing process.
Age-Reversing Therapies: Numerous possible anti-ageing therapies have been developed because of advancements in scientific study.
Therapeutic Modalities for Ageing
Interesting approaches are being investigated, although the idea of slowing down the ageing process is still in its infancy. In experiments, certain therapies have demonstrated the potential to slow the ageing process.
Genetic Manipulation: Gene therapy and genetic engineering have both been investigated as potential anti-ageing strategies. For instance, by modifying genes implicated in ageing processes, such as the mTOR pathway and the sirtuin system, researchers have effectively increased the longevity of laboratory animals, such as mice.
To ascertain the safety and effectiveness of genetic therapies in people, further study is required due to their complexity and ethical implications [4].
Telomere Extension: Since telomere shortening is thought to be a sign of ageing, telomere extension has been investigated as a potential method to slow down the ageing process.
In experimental experiments, scientists have extended the length of telomeres in cells using methods like telomerase gene therapy or telomere-lengthening substances, which have shown encouraging results in reversing cellular ageing in vitro.
Telomere extension treatments, however, still need to be thoroughly researched for safety and efficacy as they are in the early phases of development.
EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate)
EGCG is an important compound obtained from a unique plant. It has been found that many health benefits can be obtained from this precious compound.
It can help in many bad health conditions including inflammation, cancer, and heart and brain disorders. This compound is also helpful in weight loss.
It is normally called catechin. Catechins are very important antioxidant compounds. So, it can protect the cells from oxidative damage that may be caused by free radicals in the cells.
EGCG is found in many of the foods that are in our daily use. Some of these foods containing EGCG include:
Tea (black, green, and white)
Some fruits include strawberries, blackberries, pears, cherries, peaches, apples, and avocados.
Nuts including pistachios and pecans.
It is also found in dark chocolate, red wine, and legumes.
EGCG is a well-researched catechin with a lot of health benefits for humans.
Research has also proven it to be very beneficial for maintaining normal body weight and helping in reducing weight in many disorders. Many experiments have been performed for this purpose that will be discussed later in this article.
Significance of EGCG
Many bad health conditions can be treated using this precious compound.
The most common health benefits that can be obtained from this compound include:
Killing of malignant cells.
It boosts the immune system of the body.
Reduces oxidative stress.
Reduces inflammation.
It maintains healthy skin.
Help with cardiovascular disorders.
Neuroprotective properties.
It is an anti-allergy compound.
It has anti-microbial properties.
Improves the cognitive functions of the body.
It is an anti-ageing compound.
It helps in weight loss.
Promotes osteogenesis.
Boosts the metabolism of the body.
EGCG is an important compound that helps in the treatment of many disorders and works via different mechanisms of action in the body.
The most common ways by which EGCG can help the body improve its health conditions are as follows:
The process of oxidation is crucial to maintaining the body's health. We categorize EGCG as an antioxidant based on the chemical structure of the compound. The ring structure in the ECGC traps the free electrons and prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species. It also possesses anti-inflammatory action by targeting the NF-KB pathway and increasing the anti-inflammatory substance’s gene expression .
One of the most prevalent and dangerous illnesses affecting humans is cancer. Both the scientific community and the general public have paid close attention to EGCG as a natural substance.
Moreover, EGCG has demonstrated therapeutic and preventative effects in a variety of human malignancies. Several theories have been put out to explain how EGCG inhibits the development and spread of cancer.
The prooxidant effects of EGCG were considered to represent possible anticancer action mechanisms. Depending on the cell type, dosage, and/or timing of the therapy, several anticancer strategies were used.
Several research studies have looked at the mechanisms behind the anti-obesity benefits of EGCG in both cellular and animal models. It can reduce weight through its fat-burning property.
Several skincare treatments for anti-ageing contain green tea extract or EGCG. This is so that the chemical can promote young and healthy-looking skin by increasing skin elasticity. Minimizing wrinkles, enhancing moisture retention, and improving skin texture, also slows down the ageing process of the skin.
EGCG and Anti-ageing
Many studies have been performed that have confirmed that EGCG plays a crucial role in reversing the process of ageing.
It can reduce the effects of ageing throughout the body by acting through different processes.
It has been found that EGCG has an important part in improving skin health. It can remove wrinkles from the skin which are an important sign of ageing. It also plays a role in preventing the skin cells from damage caused by UV rays.
Studies have shown that EGCG can maintain the length of telomeres. Telomeres are very crucial for their association with ageing. If their length is maintained by EGCG and they do not get shortened, this can prevent ageing [10].
EGCG is also very crucial in reducing the stress caused by the accumulation of ROS in cells. It can do so in all cells of the body. By this, the process of ageing can be stopped.
Another important role of EGCG in the body is its anti-inflammatory action. EGCG can decrease inflammation in any part of the body, and this can also help in the healthy ageing process.
EGCG has also been found to stimulate the production of enzymes which play roles in repairing the damage of DNA caused by the ageing process. So, reducing the ageing mechanism.
So, by acting through all these processes, EGCG can help in living a healthy life and reducing the effects of ageing in the body. It can be a promising anti-ageing compound.
Preclinical and Clinical Trials Data
Experimental studies have been performed on animal models as well as on humans and the anti-ageing effects of EGCG have been studied.
EGCG has always shown significant results and has scientifically proven itself a safe and effective compound in anti-ageing.
A study was performed on fruit flies as animal models. The effects of EGCG in reducing the effects of ageing were studied in them. These fruit flies were given EGCG for a specific time period. Significant results were observed as EGCG increased their lifespan as compared to those flies who were not given this compound. Moreover, oxidative stress and inflammation were also reduced in the body of these flies. Other symptoms of ageing were also reduced by using this crucial compound in flies.
Another preclinical study was done which included mice as animal models. These were given EGCG compound, and it was observed that the life span of these EGCG-treated mice was increased by 3.5% as compared to the life span of mice who were not given EGCG. This happened because EGCG stimulated the synthesis of enzymes in their bodies which repaired DNA damage and reduced ageing effects.
A study was also performed on aged rats and the effectiveness of EGCG was checked. When these rats were given EGCG for a specific time, it was seen that their memory and learning processes were significantly improved and the inflammation and stress in the brain were also reduced.
Similar studies were also performed on humans and the safety and efficacy of EGCG were studied in humans.
A clinical study was performed on aged women. These women have all ageing effects on their skin. They were EGCG in green tea for three months. After that, a significant reduction in skin wrinkles was observed. These women have healthier skin than before, and the elasticity of the skin was also increased. Thus, EGCG is proven to have significant results in improving skin health and reducing ageing signs.
EGCG also has a role in improving the cognitive abilities of older people. A study was performed for this purpose in older adults. They were randomly given either a placebo or EGCG for three months. The results showed that the people given EGCG had significant improvement in their cognitive abilities as compared to those who were given a placebo.
Another clinical study was performed on older adults and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of EGCG were examined. These people were given EGCG for twelve weeks and the results were significant. They have a reduction in both inflammation and oxidative stress throughout their bodies and the ageing signs were reduced significantly.
So, it can be concluded from these studies that EGCG is a significant compound with positive outcomes in stopping the process of ageing and reducing sins of ageing in adult animals as well as human beings.
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