With the world’s oldest population, it’s no surprise that Japan is intensely interested in anti-aging research. The Japan Society of Anti-Aging Medicine (JAAM) is one of the world’s largest academic organizations focused on aging. Comprising nearly 10,000 healthcare professionals, the society “approaches aging as a ‘disease’”, which they are determined to ‘cure’ by not only preventing age-related diseases and extending healthy lifespans but exploring the possibilities of genuine rejuvenation.
One avenue of approach Japanese companies are using is the removal of senescent cells: cells that have stopped dividing (reproducing themselves), but which are still alive and metabolically active. Senescent cells accumulate with age and this is linked to various age-related diseases, including cancer, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease.
The aging of cells themselves is believed to be a cause of aging. Specifically, cells that have stopped dividing remain in the body and secrete substances facilitating the aging of surrounding cells. As a result, this adversely affects various parts of the body, such as the bones and skin, as well as cognitive function.
Until now, dealing with pain and functional deterioration has been the main improvement measure.
Most of the compounds that help combat the accumulation of senescent cells are found in plant foods (Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, are an exception), from strawberries and apples, to onions, broccoli, even green tea, coffee, red wine and dark chocolate. .
The effectiveness of plant-based materials has already been confirmed, and if technology and related products are developed, they can become powerful weapons to help people maintain health and regain their youth, sources familiar with the matter said.
Agrimony has been used as a herbal remedy since Greek times. Japanese scientists are trying to isolate the compound in the herb that may be an effective agent in removing senescent cells from the body.
A clinical trial showed that men who took agrimol ingredients were able to reduce about four per cent more senescent cells in the blood than those who did not take them.
[Fancl, a cosmetics and health food company] hopes to help middle-age and older people maintain their vitality by developing supplements containing the ingredients.
Another possible anti-aging agent is derived from camellias. With camellia seed oil being a popular ingredient in skincare and cosmetics, it’s not surprising that cosmetics giant Shiseido is leading rejuvenation research.
Kentaro Kajiya, head of the Business Core Technology Center at cosmetics company Shiseido’s Mirai Technology Institute, said, “Age does not necessarily correlate with aging.”
As he engaged in research on immune functions to prevent skin problems, Kajiya confirmed that an increase in memory T-cells, a type of immune cell, leads to a decrease in senescent cells.
It has been found that the extract of fermented pomace camellia oil may contribute to activating memory T-cells and enhance the effect of removing aging cells in the skin, according to Kajiya.
Shiseido aims to ultimately offer products that “improve not only the skin but also the body and mind”.
Outside Japan, US researchers are also keenly pursuing anti-aging technology.
XPrize Foundation, for which noted businessman Elon Musk serves as a sponsor, has launched a global competition. A team that successfully develops a proactive, accessible therapeutic that restores muscle, cognition and immune function by a minimum of 10 years, with a goal of 20 years, in those age 65–80 will be given $101 million in prize money, according to the foundation.
I, for one, look forward to yelling at clouds in the year 2525.
