Curcumin

Meriva® is a patented curcumin formulation (derived from Curcuma longa) combined with soy phospholipids to increase its bioavailability beyond that of classic standardised curcumin extracts. This key curcuma ingredient has emerged as a natural mTOR inhibitor and exhibits anti-tumour properties in a variety of cancer cell lines via modification of a number of oncogenic pathways.

Green tea extract standardised to 70% EGCG

Studies have confirmed the inhibitory role of certain components of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on mTORC1 and mTORC2. Specifically, a study conducted by GlaxoSmithKline in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, showed that EGCg (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) acted as a double inhibitor, both of the P13K (phosphoinositide-3-kinase) pathway and the mTOR signalling pathway.

Resveratrol

Research has established that transresveratrol, a polyphenol compound and calorie restriction mimetic, also inhibits the mTOR signalling pathway. Studies show that this pathway is activated by oxidised LDL-cholesterol lipoproteins in smooth muscle cells. Resveratrol can, however, block the phosphorylation and activation of the P13K and mTOR pathways. This activity is independent of resveratrol's antioxidant effect and its activation of AMPK and clearly identifies a new property for resveratrol that may add to this polyphenol's overall anti-atherogenic capacities. Another article reported that at relatively high doses, resveratrol inhibits mTOR and cell senescence, while contributing to cell apoptosis.

Fisetin

This flavonoid, extracted from the small tree Rhus succedanea, sends an activating signal to anti-ageing gene carrier cells, ensuring DNA and neuron protection, particularly during periods of oxidative stress. Fisetin also has a stabilising effect on resveratrol by preventing its metabolic breakdown and thus supports its function of inhibiting the mTOR signalling pathway. Fisetin has also been shown to exhibit anti-tumour and anti-angiogenic activity.

Salicin extracted from white willow

This highly active compound extracted from white willow bark (Salix alba) gave rise to the isolation of the acetylsalicylic acid molecule (aspirin®) by the chemist Felix Hoffman. It has been shown that taking a baby aspirin (81 mg) a day cuts the risk of developing cancer by at least 25%. Salicin possesses all the activity of aspirin® including its mTOR inhibitory effect. Although not as fast-acting as aspirin®, its effect is less irritating, and it has longer-lasting efficacy.

It’s a plant that has recently been rediscovered and positively exploited for its high content in glucuronic flavonoids, the compounds responsible for its many properties. It is indigenous to central Asia where it plays a prominent part in Uighur medicine.

DragonHead Extract is produced from the aerial parts of Moldavian dragonhead which contain most of the active substances. The use of high-quality aqueous extraction produces an extract packed with active compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides and volatile components. Of all these ingredients, it is the flavonoids which are the most active. Several studies have shown the most important flavonoids to be tilianin, luteolin-7-O-glucuronides, apigenin and rosmarinic acid (15-17). But as in all plant extracts, it is really the synergy between the components which is key.

Pharmacological studies have demonstrated the biological activity of this exceptional synergy: researchers have observed antioxidant, anti-hypoxic, immune-modulatory, anti-microbial, and vasodilatory properties (the latter accounting for its traditional use in treating heart and blood pressure problems (18-19).

The recommended dose is two 100mg capsules a day, to be taken in between meals.

Other anti-ageing supplements are available to buy from our catalogue including:

1. Longevity Nutrients, an enhanced formulation for promoting longevity.
2. Natural Dopamine Support 400 mg, a wild green oat extract.
3. Natural Rapalogs, a natural ‘rapalog’ formulation for slowing down ageing.
4. PQQ & Q10, a synergistic formulation for fighting cognitive impairment (PQQ and co-enzyme Q10).