Ginseng from Mountains Boosts Healthy Aging by Activating Steroid Signals

Greg Howard
25th August, 2024

Ginseng from Mountains Boosts Healthy Aging by Activating Steroid Signals

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Changchun University of Chinese Medicine found that mountain cultivated ginseng (MCG) has higher phytosterol content than garden cultivated ginseng (CG)
  • Phytosterols from MCG, especially stigmasterol, extended the lifespan and promoted healthy aging in fruit flies
  • MCG phytosterols were more effective than CG phytosterols in improving health markers like sleep duration, climbing ability, and resistance to oxidative damage
Mountain cultivated ginseng (MCG) is planted in mountain forests to mimic traditional wild ginseng, and it is believed to have greater pharmacological effects compared to cultivated ginseng (CG) grown in gardens. Researchers from Changchun University of Chinese Medicine analyzed the efficacy of MCG and CG, focusing on their phytosterol content and its impact on health and longevity[1]. Phytosterols are plant-derived compounds structurally similar to cholesterol, and they play a crucial role in maintaining health. The study found that MCG had a higher phytosterol content than CG, with the difference primarily attributed to stigmasterol levels. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the stigmasterol content, revealing a positive correlation between phytosterol levels and the duration of ginseng growth. The researchers tested the effects of phytosterols from MCG and CG on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) that aged naturally. The results showed that phytosterols, including stigmasterol, prolonged the lifespan of the fruit flies. Additionally, these compounds promoted healthy aging, as evidenced by increased progeny numbers, longer sleep durations, improved climbing distance, and enhanced survival following oxidative damage. Notably, MCG phytosterols were more effective than CG phytosterols in promoting health and extending life, with stigmasterol demonstrating dose-dependent effects. The study also revealed that phytosterols from MCG and CG restored age-associated decreases in steroid hormone levels. Molecular docking predicted that stigmasterol could bind to the steroid hormone receptor ECR due to its structural similarity to steroid hormones. Furthermore, stigmasterols activated the steroid hormone signaling pathway by increasing the activity of key genes such as Eip75B and Br in 20E signaling and Jhamt, HmGR, Met, and Kr-h1 in JH signaling. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have highlighted the health benefits of plant-derived compounds. For instance, research has shown that green tea's principal active constituent, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can increase stress resistance and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by affecting the daf-2/insulin-like signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress[2]. Similarly, the current study suggests that phytosterols, particularly stigmasterol, can regulate health and longevity in a manner similar to steroids, supporting the social requirements for healthy aging. The study also aligns with research on plant sterols' role in plant-pathogen interactions. Changes in sterol profiles, such as the β-sitosterol/stigmasterol ratio, have been observed in plants infected with parasitic nematodes, indicating the importance of these compounds in plant defense mechanisms[3]. The current study extends this understanding to the role of phytosterols in promoting health and longevity in animals. In conclusion, the research conducted by Changchun University of Chinese Medicine provides compelling evidence that MCG, with its higher phytosterol content, particularly stigmasterol, offers significant health and longevity benefits compared to CG. These findings suggest that phytosterols could serve as a natural dietary supplement to promote healthy aging, similar to the effects of steroids.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Phytosterols in mountain cultivated ginseng, as master healthy ageing dietary supplement, activates steroid signaling in ageing Drosophila melanogaster.

Published 21st August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2024.112554

Related Studies

2) Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits beta amyloid oligomerization in Caenorhabditis elegans and affects the daf-2/insulin-like signaling pathway.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.03.008

3) Changes in the Plant β-Sitosterol/Stigmasterol Ratio Caused by the Plant Parasitic Nematode Meloidogyne incognita.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020292


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙