Researchers find grape seed extract can extend the lifespan of mice
Researchers from a number of universities in China and America have found that injecting the chemical procyanidin C1 found in grapeseed extract into mice of advanced age can extend their life expectancy. The group published their findings in Nature Metabolism journal, describing the relationship between PCC1 in grape seed extract and an extended lifespan in older mice. They also described the experiments that they conducted with the material.
Scientists have spent many years trying to understand how aging occurs. Once the process is understood, scientists hope that mitigation efforts will slow or stop it to allow people to age healthier or live longer. Researchers screened 46 extracts of plants to find anti-aging properties. The researchers came across PCC1. Initial screening tests showed that it reduced the number senescent cell in the prostate of humans. These cells are known for contributing to aging. The researchers were intrigued by their findings and tested it again. Researchers found that low doses of the drug prevented senescent cell from contributing to inflammation and higher doses completely killed them without harming any other cells.
The team then injected PCC1 into 171 mice, 91 of which were old. The researchers found that the mice’s overall life expectancy increased by 9 percent. Their remaining lives were also extended by an average of 60 percent. Researchers also found that injecting younger mice over a four-month period with the extract chemical improved their fitness. The researchers then injected the chemical into mice with cancerous tumors and found it helped shrink tumors in conjunction with chemotherapy. The same was found when human tumor cells were implanted in mice.
Source:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12-grape-seed-lifespan-mice.html
