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Writer's pictureM.V. Claudia Barbieri

Nutraceuticals: Allies for Healthy Aging in Pets

Aging is an inevitable biological phenomenon characterized by physiological changes in cells and tissues, resulting in an increased risk of disease and death. This process depends on both internal factors, which are natural processes occurring within the cell, and external factors, which include nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, ultraviolet radiation, and pollution, among others.


Nutrition has a significant effect on the aging process, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, with nutraceuticals being highly effective in regulating this process. Scientific data shows that antioxidants, for example, have positive effects on many chronic and age-related diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, resulting in a longer and healthier life.


Oxidative stress, which is the imbalance between the amount of antioxidants and pro-oxidants, causes cellular dysfunction. Under stress conditions, the amount of free radicals increases, the excess of which leads to shortening of DNA telomeres. Telomeres are structures consisting of rows of proteins and non-coding DNA that form the ends of chromosomes.  Their main function is to prevent the wear and tear of genetic material and maintain the structural stability of the chromosome, with biological aging indicated by telomere length.

 

Many compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help improve physiological functions by reducing free radicals and inflammation. Below, we will discuss some nutraceuticals that may have anti-aging effects.

 

1) Astaxanthin

Found in algae, yeast, shrimp, salmon, shellfish, trout and krill. It has great antioxidant potential and protects against various diseases. It is used to treat cognitive dysfunction, reduce cholesterol, improve immune response, and prevent eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. In addition, it has a chemopreventive effect and protects against UVB exposure.


2) Bacopa monnieri

This is a perennial herb with purple flowers and small oblong leaves. The leaves contain the main phytochemical compounds of this plant, which is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it has the property of maintaining the body's homeostasis. The two most important phytochemical components are herpestin and brahmin. Its main function is to protect the brain against free radicals and stimulate learning and cognition, preventing several diseases such as cognitive dysfunction.


3) Coenzyme Q10

It is a liposoluble benzoquinone with antioxidant properties. It optimizes mitochondrial function and helps in the production of other antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol. It protects against damage caused by UV radiation and serves as a cofactor in ATP production. It also acts as a cell membrane stabilizer. It is especially important for the protection of heart, kidney, and brain cells.


4) Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

As we have already addressed in several articles, it is derived from turmeric, a spice from the ginger family. It has a yellow pigment and many biological functions, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory. It can suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor, and cyclooxygenase-2. Additionally, through its antioxidant action, it reduces the production of free radicals, hindering lipid peroxidation and reducing oxidative stress.


5) Blueberry Extract

Blueberries are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, having great antioxidant properties compared to other fruits and vegetables. The natural compounds present in blueberries can reduce age-related losses and improve memory. They also have vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting against progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.


6) Ginkgo biloba

The main function of this plant is to increase the amount of oxygen available to tissues. Its leaves help maintain blood glucose levels and good cerebral blood circulation. Generally, 24% of flavonoid glycosides are present in ginkgo leaf extract along with lactone derivatives (ginkgolides), ascorbic acid, catechins, and shikimic acid. Its components act on free radicals that cause premature cell death.


7) Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Ginseng roots contain ginsenosides, which modulate immune function, improving the body's resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety, and fatigue. It helps improve memory and learning performance and has anti-stress properties, also being considered a cognitive stimulant.


8) PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide)

PEA belongs to the N-acylethanolamine (NAE) family of biologically active endogenous lipids, which also includes the endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand anandamide and the satiety factor oleoylethanolamideKnown in Europe since the 1970s, it is currently gaining notoriety as many studies suggest that this substance can be used in a wide range of therapeutic areas, including pain management and neurodegeneration prevention. ecently, studies have demonstrated its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective role, acting on several molecular targets in the central nervous system and immune system. In addition, it may play a very important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by compensating for exogenous stress events that can lead to an inflammatory reaction.


9) Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in the skin of grapes and some fruits. It has antioxidant properties, besides functioning as a chelating agent. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory activity and is also beneficial for the cardiovascular system, cognitive dysfunction, and many other chronic-degenerative diseases.


Conclusions

Aging is a process that depends on many internal and external factors, such as excess free radicals, environmental factors, dietary imbalances, and genetic mutations, among others. Nutraceuticals have been considered an important part of prevention and therapy. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants can slow aging, being very important for maintaining quality of life in old age. Incorporating nutraceuticals into the daily diet of our pets can play a significant role in promoting health during aging, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improving the overall quality of life of our four-legged companions.


REFERENCES:

 

BEGGIATO, S. et al. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) as a Potential Therapeutic Agent in Alzheimer’s Disease. Frontiers in Pharmacology, v. 10, art. 821, Jul. 2019.

 

GUPTA, R.  et al. Nutraceuticals for Aging. In: Nutraceuticals in Veterinary Medicine. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2019, pp. 383-392.

 

MORSANUTO V. et al. A New Palmitoylethanolamide Form Combined with Antioxidant Molecules to Improve Its Effectivess on Neuronal Aging. Brain Sciences, 2020, 10, 457; doi:10.3390/brainsci10070457.


WYNN, S.; FOUGÈRE, B. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Mosby, Inc., 2007.



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