Key Points:
- Monarda didyma L. extract decreases telomere shortening in human skin cells, indicating improved cellular aging.
- The extract prevents telomere shortening and biological aging in middle-aged adults.
- The extract also improved quality of life scores in the physical health domain.
Recent research, including a compelling study published in Geroscience, is shedding light on how the vibrant Monarda didyma L. plant, also known as scarlet beebalm, might contribute to a longer, healthier life. But how exactly does a humble flower hold such profound promise? The answer lies deep within our cells, in the intricate processes that govern aging itself.
Telomere Shortening and Aging from Within
To gain insights into how scarlet beebalm extract affects human cells, Italian scientists employed human skin cells. They found that the extract counteracted critical cellular drivers of aging, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, and senescent cells. Importantly, they showed that the extract reduced the telomere shortening rate of dividing skin cells.
Telomere shortening, along with oxidative stress, DNA damage, and senescent cells, are among the cellular drivers of aging that scientists have identified in recent years. These drivers of aging, which during our earlier years usually do not manifest outwardly, can be thought of as how we age from within.
The shortening of telomeres was among the first biological drivers of aging to be identified. Telomeres were named in the late 1930s, with the Greek words ‘telos’ meaning ‘end’ and ‘meros’ meaning ‘part’; hence, telomeres are the ‘end parts’ of DNA. Each time a cell divides, telomeres are shortened. Eventually, they become too short to protect our DNA effectively, triggering cells to enter senescence or die.
The Clinical Trial
Beyond laboratory dish studies, the Italian researchers included a 12-week (84-day) clinical trial to test the extract’s effects on healthy middle-aged adults. The first group (G1) received 100 mg/day of Monarda didyma L. extract while the second group (G2) received a sugar pill as a placebo. Blood samples were taken before (Time point 0: T0) and after 12 weeks (Time point 1: T1) of supplementation.
Telomeres
From immune cells (specifically, white blood cells known as leukocytes) found in the whole blood samples, the researchers measured telomere length both before and after 12 weeks of supplementation. Remarkably, they found that participants who received the extract exhibited a significant increase in telomere length. In contrast, the placebo group saw a significant decrease in telomere length, suggesting that scarlet beebalm extract prevents telomere shortening.
Biological Age
DNA was extracted from the blood samples to measure biological age, an indicator of how old we are from within. One way of measuring biological age is through molecules bound to DNA called methyl groups. The number of methyl groups found at specific regions of DNA can be used to measure biological age. Interestingly, the participants who received the flower extract saw no change in biological age after 12 weeks of supplementation. However, those who received the placebo exhibited an increase in biological age, suggesting beebalm extract prevents biological aging, at least according to the specific DNA methylation sites measured.
Quality of Life
Due to compromised mental and physical faculties, self-reported quality of life tends to diminish with age. To assess quality of life, the researchers gave participants WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Assessment, BREF version) questionnaires. The questionnaires assessed four domains: physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment. The results showed that self-reported quality of life within the physical health domain improved in participants receiving the scarlet beebalm supplement.
“Improvements in overall well-being suggest that the extract positively impacts both mental and physical health. The subjective feelings of enhanced well-being could be linked to reduced stress, better sleep quality, and improved physical health, all contributing to a higher quality of life,” said the authors.
The Future of Healthy Aging
The findings on Monarda didyma L. are exciting, offering a glimpse into a future where natural compounds can play a significant role in promoting healthy aging. While more research is always needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimal applications, this study provides evidence for beebalm as a promising natural compound that supports vitality and well-being.
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