Traditional Chinese Medicine and Aging Intervention

Aging is an irreversible dynamic process that affects all humans. From ancient times, humankind has been interested in keeping young. Nowadays, the significance of anti-aging has changed from merely prolonging lifespan to improving healthspan. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has a long history in Asian countries, which have antiaging properties and could intervene aging-associated disorders. The effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) relies on its large variety of naturally active chemicals, multiple targets for therapy, and diversity of treatment approaches. We have just launched a special issue entitled “Traditional Chinese Medicine and Aging Intervention” which contains ten high-quality review articles of different kinds of herbs that deploys plant species, characteristics, active ingredients, pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of anti-aging and aging-related disease.

In this special issue, four drugs that are known to invigorate Qi and strengthen Yang according to TCM theory are discussed. Ginseng (Renshen) and Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) are two of the most highly regarded Chinese herbalism for invigorating Qi. Yang et al. extensively describe the plant species, characteristics, processing and active part and ingredients of Ginseng. Recent phytochemical and pharmacological studies have discovered a variety of potent compounds in all parts of the ginseng plant including ginsenosides, alkaloids, phenolics, phytosterol, carbohydrates, polypeptides, ginseng oils, amino acids, nitrogenous substances, vitamins, minerals, and certain enzymes. Ginsenosides are the major bioactive metabolites. They can increase lifespan, regulate the function of multiple organ systems including cardiovascular, nervous, and cutaneous systems through antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. A proprietary extract from North American Ginseng, CVT-E002, has been shown to extend the lifespan of infant and juvenile mice with leukemia in a dose-dependent manner [1]. The next review by Liu et al., confers the major components of Astragalus membranaceus such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. The experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the immunoregulatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, expectorant, and diuretic effects of Astragalus membranaceus. These properties likely contribute to its beneficial effects such as lifespan extension, slowing down of vascular and brain aging, and anti-cancer activity. Among these bioactive ingredients, TA-65, a proprietary extract of the dried root, has been found to be associated with significant anti-aging effects through the lengthening of telomeres in cells [2]. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi), a white-rot fungus, considered as an elixir, has been around for thousands of years. Wang et al., describe in detail the components of ethanol, aqueous, mycelia, and water-soluble extracts of G. lucidum, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, and peptidoglycans. Ganodermasides, Ganoderma lucidum peptide, Ganoderma polysaccharide peptide, total G. lucidum triterpenes and Ganoderic acid C1 could exert lifespan elongation or related activities [3]. Besides these direct anti-aging effects, the immunomodulatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-tumor effects have been suggested. Also, as a 'Yang-invigorating' tonic herb, H. cistanches (Roucongrong) has been used for chronic renal disease, impotence, female infertility, morbid leucorrhea, profuse menorrhagia and senile constipation. Herba cistanches is widely accepted and has earned the honor of “Ginseng in the deserts.” Wang et al. also elaborate on the components of ethanol, aqueous, and methanol extracts of H. cistanches, including echinacoside, acteoside, isoacteoside, and poly-saccharides. The extraction of H. cistanches with direct lifespan elongation effects or potential anti-aging properties mainly includes the ethanolic extract of H. cistanches, Herba cistanches aqueous extract and Methanol extract. The review summarizes the comprehensive information on Herba cistanches covering many aspects of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and its application to clinical practice on antiaging [4].

In this special issue, two kinds of drugs that nourish Yin are also described. These include Lycium barbarum (Gouqi) and Dendrobium (Shihu), which have been used as traditional medicinal herbs and food supplements for thousands of years. Chen et al., have summarized the main components of L. barbarum, which contains abundant polysaccharides, betaine, phenolics, carotenoids, cerebroside, 2-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid, β-sitosterol, flavonoids, and vitamins. However, L. barbarum polysaccharides are the primary active components of L. barbarum, which are reported to mediate significant anti-aging effect through antioxidant, immunoregulative, anti-apoptotic activities and to reduce DNA damage [5]. Dendrobium is one of the earliest recorded orchids in ancient China, and Chinese use Dendrobium tonic for longevity. Dendrobium tonic contains astringent, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory substances, and are traditionally used as medicinal herbs in the treatment of a variety of disorders, such as nourishing the stomach, enhancing production of body fluids or nourishing Yin. The review by Cakova et al., is focused on anticancer, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective and immunomodulating activities of different Dendrobium species and their constituents, to report their high promise for treating age-related pathologies [6].

In addition, another two drugs including Rhizoma coptidis (Huanglian) and Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin) are two of the strongest herbs to clear heat, dry dampness, and eliminate toxins according to the TCM theory. Rhizoma coptidis has been used to clear heat and to dry dampness in the stomach or intestines, which manifests as diarrhea or dysenteric disorder. Xu et al., summarized that the evidence supports the possibility that R. coptidis, in particular, berberine, is a promising anti-aging natural product, and has pharmaceutical potential in combating aging-related diseases. The mechanism of these effects involves anti-oxidation, activation of AMPK signaling and its downstream targets including mTOR/rpS6, Sirtuin1/forkhead box transcription factor O3 (FOXO3), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways [7]. And unlike Rhizoma coptidis, Scutellaria baicalensis acts on the lungs, such as to clear away heat, reduce phlegm, and relieve cough. Chen et al., indicated that Baicalin and its aglycon baicalein are the principal components among other flavonoid derivatives in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. Abundant scientific evidence shows that the neuronal protective effects of baicalin and baicalein against cerebral ischemia are related to anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-excitotoxicity effects, protection of the mitochondria, induction of the expression of protective factors in neurons, increased adult neurogenesis, and other factors [8].

Moreover, two herbs promoting blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis and dredging collaterals to relieve pain, Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) and Ginkgo biloba leaves (Yinxingye) were introduced. Panax notoginseng, a species of the genus Panax, has been called the "miracle root for the preservation of life," and has been extensively employed in China to treat microcirculatory disturbances, inflammation, trauma, internal and external bleeding due to injury, and as a tonic. Zhao introduces ethno-pharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Panax notoginseng, as well as its pharmacological function on lifespan extension, anti-vascular aging, anti-brain aging, and anti-cancer properties [9]. Furthermore, G. biloba leaves are widely used in various degenerative diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, macroangiopathy and more. The review by Zuo summarized several pharmacological mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba leaves extract including its function as an antioxidant, prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction, and effect on apoptosis. And the review also described some clinical applications of G. biloba leaves extract, such as its effect on neuro- and cardiovascular protection, and anticancer properties [10].

In this special issue, we present a unique group of papers on “Traditional Chinese Medicine and Aging Intervention” for readers. TCM drug discovery is proceeding at a faster pace with the aid of new advanced technologies. The mechanistic insights to be uncovered will help to unleash the pharmacological potential embedded in the traditional principles of TCM. We look forward to publishing more high-quality papers in the coming year contributing to advances in the pharmacology of anti-aging TCM herbs covering all aspects from basic, translational to clinical pharmacology. We hope that the readers will enjoy this special issue. We would look forward to receiving your suggestions, comments, and manuscript contribution for future special issues.