Most nations are rapidly transforming into an aging society due to a dramatic increase in the average life expectancy of its citizens. Aging-related diseases and problems are on the rise and so is the effort to manufacture pharmacological drugs specifically designed to deal with aging and other age-related pathological concerns. Anti-aging medicines and drugs are currently in the spotlight in the pharmaceutical industry all due to the rising market demand for young skin and cells. As an answer to drugs prepared in laboratories, the Chinese have for centuries took to naturally growing herbs with medicinal values.
Today we are going to take a brief look at one such wonder plant that the Chinese refer to as “miracle root for the preservation of life”.
Introduction to Panax notoginseng
Panax notoginseng is one of the most well-known members of the notoginseng family of medicinal herbs that found wide use in traditional Chinese medicinal practices. The leaves, stems, and roots are mainly used to make an extract. The extract is dried and turned into a fine powder that can be taken in orally or injected. Modern ways to address aging has often come under fire from several sections of medical practitioners because of the negative consequences that such practice usually entails. Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic way of dealing with aging and employs natural ingredients that ensure minimal negative consequences.
Panax notoginseng is commonly used by traditional Chinese doctors to treat problems related to the blood as the plant is known to help regulate blood flow. By tapping into this magical property of notoginseng, doctors are trying to come up with natural answers to aging.
Deals with Inflammation
Vascular aging is characterized by chronic inflammation, lipid depositions, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis all of which can severly fasten the process of aging. Vascular aging can be prevented by lowering serum cholesterol levels and by using antioxidant therapy both of which the Panax notoginseng is adept at. Notoginseng extract has been in use for years as a means to stop internal or external bleeding. The herb’s usefulness lies in the fact that it is very good at regulating blood flow and hence the blood pressure. This property further helps to reduce the risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.
The chemicals present in the extract of this herb is also known to regulate lipid metabolism. By regulating lipid metabolism, the herb ensures that the deposition of excess lipid does not take place. Coronary artery disease is closely associated with metabolic disorders arising from excess lipid depositions.
Deals with Brain Aging
Cells in the brain age over time and degenerate quickly if required care is not taken or due to a lack of proper nourishment. The aging and degeneration of brain cells may lead to one of several cognitive or behavioral disorders that can be effectively reduced with the help of Panax notoginseng extract. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are the two most common neurodegenerative disorders that affect people globally. These neurological disorders mostly affect people getting old as with old age the body’s capability of regenerating dead or weak cells drastically diminishes. There are numerous active ingredients in the notoginseng extract that helps to counter such age-induced degeneration and cut down the risk of degenerative neurological disorders.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been, for decades, employing this miraculous plant to treat patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and observed positive benefits that far outweigh the negative side-effects that follow modern treatments.
A Possible Answer to Cancer
Cancer affects all, irrespective of race, gender, or age and becomes deadly unless diagnosed at the earliest. 13% of the total population is aged 65 or older, which is a considerable number. At least 60% of those diagnosed with cancer belong to this population group of age 65 or more. Cancer is an unnatural mutation of a previously healthy cell which may or may not lead to the spread and unwanted growth of the harmful cells. This leads to the faltering of our immune system and leaves us prone to common health ailments. It has been observed, albeit without sufficient evidence, that the roots of the Panax notoginseng plant may have anti-tumor properties and including the plant extract in the diet can help reduce the risk of cancer.
