Study: “Salidroside promotes healthy longevity by interfering with HSP90 activity”
Publisher: GeroScience
Published date: April 2024
PubMed link to study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37713088/
Recent research highlights the potential of salidroside, a compound found in Rhodiola rosea, to promote healthy aging and longevity. By interfering with the activity of the heat shock protein HSP90, salidroside helps reduce oxidative stress and improve overall health in aging organisms. This natural compound offers a promising avenue for developing anti-aging therapies.
Feel welcome to share your own thoughts on this research in the comment section below as well. I will be happy to discuss and learn more about how you see its potential in this field.
Understanding Salidroside and Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea, commonly known as golden root, is a plant that grows in high-altitude regions of Asia and Europe. It has been used in traditional medicine for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stress. Salidroside, one of the active compounds in Rhodiola rosea, has been found to have potential anti-aging effects.
The Role of HSP90 in Aging
HSP90 is a heat shock protein that plays a critical role in maintaining protein stability and function, particularly under stress conditions. It assists in the proper folding of proteins and protects cells from damage. However, the activity of HSP90 has been found to also contribute to the aging process.
How Salidroside Works
The study conducted by Jianfei Zhang and colleagues discovered that salidroside binds directly to HSP90 and inhibits its ATPase activity. This interaction disrupts HSP90’s function, affecting its ability to stabilize other proteins involved in aging and oxidative stress responses.
Key Findings from the Study
- Lifespan Extension: The research demonstrated that salidroside significantly extended the lifespan of silkworms. When tested on aging mice, it improved their physical performance and normalized white blood cell counts, indicating better overall health.
- Enhanced Antioxidative Capacity: Salidroside increased the total antioxidant capacity in silkworms and reduced oxidative stress in cell models. In mice, it lowered the levels of aging markers such as p21 and p53.
- Interaction with HSP90: Detailed molecular studies showed that salidroside binds to specific sites on HSP90, disrupting its function and interactions with other proteins. This results in decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and enhanced stress responses in cells.
Implications for Anti-Aging Therapies
The ability of salidroside to enhance longevity and healthspan makes it a promising candidate for anti-aging therapies. Its natural origin and history of use in traditional Chinese medicine suggest that it could potentially be developed into effective treatments with minimal side effects depending on the required concentration.
In Summary
Salidroside from Rhodiola rosea represents a significant step forward in the search for natural compounds that promote healthy aging. By targeting the activity of HSP90, salidroside helps reduce oxidative stress and improve overall health, potentially extending lifespan.
Although, it is still early stage research, and human trials will be needed to confirm the results that have been found. Hopefully the research continues as Salidroside is an exciting prospect in the field of anti-aging.
