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Dietary Epicatechin, A Novel Anti-aging Bioactive Small Molecule
Hongwei Si1, Chao-Qiang Lai2, Dongmin Liu3
1Department of Human Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, United States.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|December 31, 2019
Summary
Epicatechin (EC), found in cocoa and tea, promotes health and survival in aging mice. This natural compound shows promise for extending lifespan, unlike other popular anti-aging agents.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Epicatechin (EC), a flavonoid abundant in cocoa, dark chocolate, berries, and tea, has emerged as a compound of interest for its health-promoting properties.
- Unlike resveratrol, green tea extract, and curcumin, EC has demonstrated efficacy in extending the lifespan of old mice on a standard diet, a novel finding in anti-aging research.
- The precise anti-aging mechanisms of EC remain largely unelucidated, hindering its therapeutic application in humans for healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dietary sources, absorption, metabolism, and distribution of Epicatechin (EC).
- To consolidate current knowledge on the anti-aging effects of EC across various biological models, including cell cultures, animals, and humans.
- To explore the potential physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying EC's lifespan-extending properties.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of dietary sources and pharmacokinetic studies of EC.
- Systematic review of experimental studies investigating EC's effects on aging markers and lifespan in vitro and in vivo.
- Analysis of proposed molecular pathways and physiological responses associated with EC's anti-aging activities.
Main Results:
- EC is found in various common foods and exhibits distinct absorption and metabolic profiles in humans and rodents.
- Studies indicate EC possesses anti-aging effects in cellular, animal, and preliminary human investigations.
- Several potential mechanisms, including antioxidant and cellular signaling pathways, are implicated in EC's beneficial effects.
Conclusions:
- Epicatechin (EC) is a promising natural compound with demonstrated health and lifespan-extending benefits in preclinical models.
- Further research into the mechanisms of action is crucial for translating EC's anti-aging potential to human applications.
- Dietary sources rich in EC may contribute to healthy aging strategies.
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