As we age, the function of human organs gradually deteriorates, which is closely related to the increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered to be one of the key factors in this process. Recently, the research team of Ajay Kumar from the Indian Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine published an important research result in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, revealing the mechanism by which crocetin delays brain and body aging by improving cellular energy levels.
Mitochondria are the "energy factories" in cells, responsible for producing most of the energy required by cells. With age, decreased lung function, anemia, and microcirculatory disorders lead to insufficient oxygen supply to tissues, causing chronic hypoxia and aggravating mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby promoting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Crocetin is a natural compound with the potential to improve mitochondrial function. This study aims to explore the effects of crocetin on mitochondrial function in aged mice and its anti-aging effects.
●What is Crocetin ?
Crocetin is a natural apocarotenoid dicarboxylic acid that is found in the crocus flower together with its glycoside, crocetin, and Gardenia jasminoides fruits. It is also known as crocetic acid.[3][4] It forms brick red crystals with a melting point of 285 °C.
The chemical structure of crocetin forms the central core of crocetin, the compound responsible for the color of saffron. Crocetin is usually extracted commercially from gardenia fruit, due to the high cost of saffron.
●How Does Crocetin Boosting Cellular Energy ?
The researchers used aged C57BL/6J mice. The aged mice were divided into two groups, one group received crocetin treatment for four months, and the other group served as a control group. The cognitive and motor abilities of mice were evaluated by behavioral experiments such as spatial memory tests and open field tests, and the mechanism of action of crocetin was analyzed by pharmacokinetic studies and whole transcriptome sequencing. Multivariate regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding factors such as age and gender to evaluate the effects of crocetin on the cognitive and motor functions of mice.
The results showed that after four months of crocetin treatment, the memory behavior and motor ability of mice were significantly improved. The treatment group performed better in the spatial memory test, took less time to find food, stayed in the baited arm longer, and reduced the number of times they entered the non-baited arm by mistake. In the open field test, the mice in the crocetin-treated group were more active, and moved more distance and speed.
By sequencing the whole transcriptome of the mouse hippocampus, the researchers found that crocetin treatment caused significant changes in gene expression, including upregulation of the expression of related genes such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor).
Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that crocetin has low concentrations in the brain and no accumulation, indicating that it is relatively safe. crocetin effectively improved mitochondrial function and increased cellular energy levels in elderly mice by increasing oxygen diffusion. Improved mitochondrial function helps slow the aging process of the brain and body and prolong the lifespan of mice.
This study shows that crocetin can significantly delay brain and body aging and extend lifespan in elderly mice by improving mitochondrial function and increasing cellular energy levels. Specific recommendations are as follows:
Supplement crocetin in moderation: For the elderly, supplementing crocetin in moderation may help improve cognitive and motor abilities and delay the aging process.
Comprehensive health management: In addition to supplementing crocetin, you should also maintain a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and good sleep quality to promote overall health.
Pay attention to safety: Although crocetin shows good safety, you still need to pay attention to the dosage when supplementing and do it under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.
●NEWGREEN Supply Crocetin /Crocin /Saffron Extract
Post time: Oct-23-2024
