A recent study suggests that jujube, a Chinese fruit, may help extend the lifespan of nematodes, also known as C.elegans.
Jujube has been used in Chinese medicine and cuisine for its various health benefits, including its ability to calm the mind and improve sleep. However, its role in the aging process is still not completely understood.
Researchers at Springer Nature, a peer-reviewed publisher, found that treatment with Jujubae fruit extract significantly increased the lifespan of C.elegans.
The study revealed that the fruit extract prolonged the nematodes’ reproductive period, improved their stress tolerance, and increased their normal activity levels. Supplementing with vitamin E along with the fruit extract also enhanced their resistance to heat and oxidative stress.
While the tests were conducted on nematodes and not humans, researchers believe it provides valuable insights into the potential impact of Jujubae Fructus on lifespan and opens avenues for further studies on humans.
C. elegans shares a significant portion of genetic similarities with humans, with 60-80% of the human genome and 40% of disease-related genes in common.
Researchers emphasized the importance of anti-aging research, considering the rising number of elderly individuals facing chronic illnesses and the need for innovative solutions to address aging-related issues.
The study was conducted by researchers from various Chinese universities, including Xinxiang Medical University (XMU), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Zhoukou Normal University, and China Agricultural University.
From a scientific perspective, this study holds promise for potential implications in human health. While findings from nematode studies have been insightful, translating them to human aging mechanisms requires cautious interpretation due to differences in biological processes between species.
Lead researcher Barzilai emphasized the importance of validating findings in mammalian models before extrapolating them to humans, as previous data has not always been directly applicable to human health outcomes.