Anti-ageing Herbs

Healthylife Pharmacy9 January 2018|4 min read

As we age, noticeable differences occur on the skin but happen on the inside too. Damaged skin cells make us look older prematurely and may contribute to wrinkles, discolouration and sagging skin. Preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis as well as improving mental clarity ensure a longer, healthier and happier life.

Are you looking for that magic pill to turn back the clock?

Well ageing is a fact of life and none of us are getting any younger. But it doesn’t have to dramatically change the way you look and feel. The truth is it’s never to late to start fighting the ageing process but the early you start the more effective your efforts will be.

Top 8 anti-ageing herbs

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species and a popular prescription for anti-aging in many countries…for good reason! Many of its active constituents, such as quercetin, have displayed antioxidant activities which help to protect our heart, blood vessels, brain and eyes. 

Gingko increases peripheral circulation and reduces inflammation, which beneficially influences brain chemicals, protects nerve cells from damage and stimulates immune function. 

Scientific evidence has shown that Ginkgo biloba may improve mild cognitive impairment, macular degeneration, sudden deafness, tinnitus, cardiovascular disease and is useful in cancer prevention.

Turmeric

This vibrant yellow spice commonly used as an ingredient in curries has a wide-range of anti-ageing benefits. First and foremost, it possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties which has shown promise in many chronic disorders such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, liver injury, pancreatic disease, eye diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. There is strong evidence to suggest that turmeric has chemopreventative effects—providing protection against cancers of the skin, stomach, colon, prostate and breast. To receive all the health promoting benefits from turmeric, take a supplement high in curcuminoids such as curcumin.

Grapeseed extract

The skin of the grapeseed is a rich source of proanthocyanidins, mixtures of which are referred to as OPC’s. These components posses anti-ageing properties which strengthen the collagen matrix—preventing ageing and wrinkles but also helping with wound healing. A number of studies have demonstrated that OPCs strongly supress tumour growth and have cytotoxic activity against a range of cancer cells, including breast, lung, prostate, colon and gastric adenoma cells.

Ginseng

The two most common types of ginseng used in Australia are Siberian and Korean ginseng. They are both excellent in helping the body physiologically adapt to different needs—combatting the effects of stress. Fatigue is often a result of ageing and these ginsengs can heighten mental and physical performance. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that Siberian and Korean ginseng are beneficial in:

  • Prevention and supportive treatment of cancer
  • Chronic immune deficiency
  • Enhancing memory and concentration
  • Cardiovascular disease and type 1 diabetes

Green tea

Next time your sipping on your green tea for its antioxidant benefits—think about what more this anti-ageing herb can do for you. Green tea applied topically protects against the visible signs of ageing and provides sunburn protection. It is a well-known fact that ultraviolet light damages the skin and can lead to skin cancer. Green tea protects against DNA damage, free radical damage and inflammation.

One study found that when applied to skin half an hour before ultraviolet exposure the volunteers had a much higher protection against sunburn and epidermal damage. When choosing an effective green tea cream look for one that has a higher concentration of EGCG and epicatechin gallate polyphenols.

Some population studies have suggested regular green tea consumption may reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Bilberry

Bilberries are small wild blueberries that are rich in antioxidants. Research suggests that these berries are an incredible defence against the early signs of aging, including wrinkles and scars. They also reportedly promote healthy vision and eyes; this is especially beneficial for those concerned about macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. Due to their high polyphenol content, they also reduce inflammation and therefore may be of benefit in the prevention of chronic disorders in which inflammation is a known precursor.

St Mary’s thistle

Some people may be familiar with St Mary’s thistle and its benefit to the liver. It has significant antioxidant benefits where it can regenerate liver cells and protect against environmental toxins and medicines. More recently, the flavonoid silymarin has been shown to exert significant anti-cancer properties and can be used topically as a skin cancer preventative agent—while also reducing skin cancer promotion and progression.

St Mary’s thistle protects against the harmful effects of cytotoxic agents such as reactive oxygen species and inflammation. In animal studies, silybinin found in St Mary’s thistle can help reverse UVB-induced DNA damage.

Gotu Kola

This medicinal herb is found growing over large parts of Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australia. In these countries, gotu kola has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It helps to regenerate collagen—improving the quality of skin if damaged. This wonderful herb also has anti-stress effects on the body. Scientific research indicates that it can be used in the treatment of photoaging skin, cellulite and stretch marks.

Start using these anti-ageing herbs today to promote healthy skin, protect against disease and to re-energize your whole body. Defend yourself from early aging by including them in your routine and surprise everyone with your flawless youthful charm and glow!

References

  1. Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: An evidence based guide vol. 2. Churchill Livingstone, Australia
  2. Vaughn AR, et al. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytother Res. 2016 Aug;30(8):1243-64 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27213821
  3. Shen CY, et al. Anti-ageing active ingredients from herbs and nutraceuticals used in traditional Chinese medicine: pharmacological mechanisms and implications for drug discovery. Br J Pharmacol. 2017 Jun;174(11):1395-1425 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27659301
  4. Singh RP, Agarwal R. Mechanisms and preclinical efficacy of silibinin in preventing skin cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2005 Sep;41(13):1969-79 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16084079
  5. Bylka W, et al. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013 Feb;30(1):46-9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24278045
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.