Effect of "beta CATECHIN" on the life span of senescence accelerated mice (SAM-P8 strain)

"beta CATECHIN", a preparation of natural vitamins and phytosubstances, has been designed as an "universal antioxidant' drink. Having previously demonstrated the scavenging action of a variety of free radicals by "beta CATECHIN", we now report the effect of its long term administration on the life span of senesescence accelerated mice (SAM-P8), a murine model system that offers many characteristics of mammalian aging with a shortened life span. Both male and female SAM (age: 10 weeks) maintained on "beta CATECHIN" containing drinking water (1ml/kg b.w) showed significant extension of the mean life span as compared to their respective controls that received normal drinking water. Results show that administration of "beta CATECHIN" increased the 50% mean survival rate by 8 weeks in case of female, and 7.5 weeks for male SAM. In addition to offering fresh evidence to the "free radical theory of aging", the results emphasize on the importance of a daily supplement of natural antioxidants, especially as a combination, to achieve the goal of a long and disease-free life.