Aging and death are unavoidable in life. While immortality may be impossible, many people dream of living a long and healthy life. Throughout history, humans have searched for ways to stay young, but have not found an effective way. This may be because the methods used do not target the causes of aging directly. To address this, we investigated how to delay aging using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine approaches. In this article, we will explain the causes of aging in the context of TCM and Western medicine and suggest methods to delay it. By integrating TCM and Western medicine, I hope to help everyone age healthily and enjoy a long life.
References
[1]
Lu, A. (2004) Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Therapeutic Method of Diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 10, 1854-1856. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v10.i13.1854
[2]
Xutian, S. (2014) The Manifestation of the Internal Organs (ZangXiang, 藏象). In: Xutian, S., Tai, S., Yuan, C., Wozniak, J. and Zhang, J., Eds., HandbookofTraditionalChineseMedicine, World Scientific, 43-72. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814293839_0004
[3]
Li, W. (2018) [Discovery of Symbiote]. In the Ultimate Door to Life: The Mystery Revealed in “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon”. Huaxia Publishing House, 68-127.
[4]
Dong, J. (2013) The Relationship between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, Article ID: 153148. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/153148
[5]
Liao, W., Dang, C. and Pan, W. (2017) The Brief Theory of Viscus and Its Manifestations in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Integrative Medicine International, 4, 13-18. https://doi.org/10.1159/000455853
[6]
Ma, B. (2020) The Heavenly Law (Tao) of Nature and Medicine in Deference to Nature. In: Bertschinger, R., Ed., A History of Medicine in Chinese Culture, World Scientific, 263-304.
[7]
Ling, J. (2014) Qi, Blood, Essence, and Body Fluid. In: In: Xutian, S., Tai, S., Yuan, C., Wozniak, J. and Zhang, J., Eds., HandbookofTraditionalChineseMedicine, World Scientific, 73-86. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814293839_0005
[8]
Ong, C.P. (2021) Science in Qi. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 10, 30-41. https://doi.org/10.30564/jim.v10i1.3220
[9]
Kim, W. and Sue, C. (2009) A New Model for Qi Energy. In: Kim, W. and Sue, C., Eds., Auricular Acupuncture & Addiction: Mechanisms, Methodology and Practice, Elsevier, 159-170.
[10]
Leong, P.K., Chen, J. and Ko, K.M. (2018) Development of Chinese Herbal Health Products for the Prevention of Aging-Associated Diseases. In: Mandal, S.C., Mandal, V. and Konishi, T., Eds., NaturalProductsandDrugDiscovery: A Integrated Approach, Elsevier, 73-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-102081-4.00004-6
[11]
Yuan, H. (2014) Prevention of Diseases and Principles of Therapeutics. In: Xutian, S., Tai, S., Yuan, C., Wozniak, J. and Zhang, J., Eds., HandbookofTraditionalChineseMedicine, World Scientific, 127-137. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814293839_0009
[12]
Li, Z.G., Wu, Q. and Xing, Y.R. (2019) Key Concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In: Li, Z.G., Wu, Q. and Xing, Y.R., Eds., KeyConceptsinTraditionalChineseMedicine, Springer, 1-80. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9136-1_1
[13]
Zhang, W. (2013) [Analysis on the Concepts of Qi, Blood and Meridians in Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Classic)] Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 33, 708-716.
[14]
Seki, K., Chisaka, M., Eriguchi, M., Yanagie, H., Hisa, T., Osada, I., et al. (2005) An Attempt to Integrate Western and Chinese Medicine: Rationale for Applying Chinese Medicine as Chronotherapy against Cancer. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 59, S132-S140. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0753-3322(05)80021-6
[15]
Zhang, D. and Wu, X. (1991) Qi, Blood, Body Fluid, Essence of Life and Spirit. In: Liu, X., Ed., The Basic Knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hai Feng Publisher, 49-53.
[16]
Low, P.K.C. and Ang, S. (2010) The Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese Medicine, 1, 84-90. https://doi.org/10.4236/cm.2010.13016
[17]
Law, S., Leung, A.W. and Xu, C. (2021) Traditional Chinese Medicine for Elderly Care. Aging Medicine and Healthcare, 12, 162-163. https://doi.org/10.33879/amh.124.2021.01005
[18]
Li, Y., Li, H., Lu, X., Shen, X., Zhang, J., Zhang, R., Niu, K. and Zhang S. (2024) [Exploration of Aging-Induced Cognitive Impairment Based on Qiluo Theory of Essence, Qi and Spirit]. Journal of Nanjing University Traditional Chinese Medicine, 40, 234-238.
[19]
Lee, T., Chang, H. and Chen, W. (2017) [Reconstruction of Ageing by Yin-Yang Doctrine]. Traditional Chinese Medicine, 6, 68-75. https://doi.org/10.12677/tcm.2017.62012
[20]
Wang, X. (2013) [Discussion of the Understanding of Aging in Huangdi’s Canon of Medicine]. Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 32, 75-77.
[21]
Cong, W. and Chen, K. (2019) Traditional Chinese Medicine and Aging: Integration and Collaboration Promotes Healthy Aging. Aging Medicine, 2, 139-141. https://doi.org/10.1002/agm2.12077
[22]
Li, W. (2018) [Zang Xiang Originated from Universe]. In the Ultimate Door to Life: The Mystery Revealed in “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon”. Huaxia Publishing House, 128-165.
[23]
Yan, J., Hu, C. and Meng, X. (2020) East to West: Research Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Antiaging Strategies. Traditional Medicine Research, 5, 305-321. https://doi.org/10.53388/tmr20200121155
[24]
Barja, G. (2019) Towards a Unified Mechanistic Theory of Aging. Experimental Gerontology, 124, Article ID: 110627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2019.05.016
[25]
Maldonado, E., Morales-Pison, S., Urbina, F. and Solari, A. (2023) Aging Hallmarks and the Role of Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants, 12, Article 651. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030651
[26]
Li, Z., Anugula, S. and Rasmussen, L.J. (2023) Genomic Instability and Aging. In: Oliveira, P.J. and Malva, J.O., Eds., Aging (From Fundamental Biology to Societal Impact), Elsevier, 275-295. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-823761-8.00020-3
[27]
Ademowo, O.S., Dias, H.K.I., Burton, D.G.A. and Griffiths, H.R. (2017) Lipid (Per) Oxidation in Mitochondria: An Emerging Target in the Ageing Process? Biogerontology, 18, 859-879. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10522-017-9710-z
[28]
Giorgi, C., Marchi, S., Simoes, I.C.M., Ren, Z., Morciano, G., Perrone, M., et al. (2018) Mitochondria and Reactive Oxygen Species in Aging and Age-Related Diseases. InternationalReviewofCellandMolecularBiology, 340, 209-344. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.05.006
[29]
Davalli, P., Mitic, T., Caporali, A., Lauriola, A. and D’Arca, D. (2016) ROS, Cell Senescence, and Novel Molecular Mechanisms in Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016, Article ID: 3565127. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3565127
[30]
Nelson, G., Kucheryavenko, O., Wordsworth, J. and von Zglinicki, T. (2018) The Senescent Bystander Effect Is Caused by ROS-Activated NF-κB Signalling. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 170, 30-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2017.08.005
[31]
Shields, H.J., Traa, A. and Van Raamsdonk, J.M. (2021) Beneficial and Detrimental Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species on Lifespan: A Comprehensive Review of Comparative and Experimental Studies. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9, Article 628157. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.628157
[32]
Gómez, J., Mota-Martorell, N., Jové, M., Pamplona, R. and Barja, G. (2023) Mitochondrial ROS Production, Oxidative Stress and Aging within and between Species: Evidences and Recent Advances on This Aging Effector. Experimental Gerontology, 174, Article ID: 112134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2023.112134
[33]
Almaida-Pagán, P.F., Lucas-Sánchez, A. and Tocher, D.R. (2014) Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Composition and Oxidative Status during Rapid Growth, Maturation and Aging in Zebrafish, Danio Rerio. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)—Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 1841, 1003-1011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.04.004
[34]
Jové, M., Mota-Martorell, N., Pradas, I., Galo-Licona, J.D., Martín-Gari, M., Obis, È., et al. (2020) The Lipidome Fingerprint of Longevity. Molecules, 25, Article 4343. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184343
[35]
Sun, Y., Zhao, Y., Xue, S.A. and Chen, J. (2018) The Theory Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution: A Review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, 5, 16-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2018.02.007
[36]
Yang, Y., Hu, J., Peng, J. and Chen, Y. (2014) [Overview of Pectoral Qi Theory and Modern Research Progress]. World Science and Technology/Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Materia Medica, 16, 2435-2439.
[37]
Cheung, K., Leung, H. and Ko, K. (2020) A Unifying Theory of Aging between Modern Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese Medicine, 11, 105-112. https://doi.org/10.4236/cm.2020.112006
[38]
Hempen, D. (2009) Tonifying Herbs. In: Hempen, C. and Fischer, T., Eds., AMateriaMedicaforChineseMedicine, Elsevier, 695-815. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-10094-9.00018-2
[39]
Gao, H., Qin, C. and Chen, X. (2023) The Formation and Development of the School of Consolidating the Vital Base and Supplementing Primordial Qi in Xin’an Medicine. Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine, 7, Article ID: 000410. https://doi.org/10.23880/jonam-16000410
[40]
Zhou, J., Morsy, M.A.M., Kunika, K., Yokomizo, K. and Miyata, T. (2012) Ergogenic Capacity of a 7-Chinese Traditional Medicine Extract in Aged Mice. Chinese Medicine, 3, 223-228. https://doi.org/10.4236/cm.2012.34032
[41]
Li, W. (2018) [Zang Xiang Is the Soul]. In the Ultimate Door to Life: The Mystery Revealed in “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon. Huaxia Publishing House, 256-299.
[42]
Abbott, R. and Lavretsky, H. (2013) Tai Chi and Qigong for the Treatment and Prevention of Mental Disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36, 109-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2013.01.011
[43]
Liu, Z., Shu, J., Tu, J., Zhang, C. and Hong, J. (2017) Liver in the Chinese and Western Medicine. Integrative Medicine International, 4, 39-45. https://doi.org/10.1159/000466694
[44]
Dai, D., Chiao, Y.A., Marcinek, D.J., Szeto, H.H. and Rabinovitch, P.S. (2014) Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Aging and Healthspan. Longevity & Healthspan, 3, Article No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-2395-3-6
[45]
Ristow, M. (2014) Unraveling the Truth about Antioxidants: Mitohormesis Explains Ros-Induced Health Benefits. Nature Medicine, 20, 709-711. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.3624
[46]
Bárcena, C., Mayoral, P. and Quirós, P.M. (2018) Mitohormesis, an Antiaging Paradigm. In: López-Otín, C. and Galluzzi, L., Eds., International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology, Elsevier, 35-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.05.002
[47]
Dludla, P.V., Silvestri, S., Orlando, P., Gabuza, K.B., Mazibuko-Mbeje, S.E., Nyambuya, T.M., et al. (2020) Exploring the Comparative Efficacy of Metformin and Resveratrol in the Management of Diabetes-Associated Complications: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies. Nutrients, 12, Article 739. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030739
[48]
Musci, R., Hamilton, K. and Linden, M. (2019) Exercise-Induced Mitohormesis for the Maintenance of Skeletal Muscle and Healthspan Extension. Sports, 7, Article 170. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7070170
[49]
Kozlov, A.V., Javadov, S. and Sommer, N. (2024) Cellular ROS and Antioxidants: Physiological and Pathological Role. Antioxidants, 13, Article 602. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050602
[50]
Sulaimon, L.A., Afolabi, L.O., Adisa, R.A., Ayankojo, A.G., Afolabi, M.O., Adewolu, A.M., et al. (2022) Pharmacological Significance of Mitoq in Ameliorating Mitochondria-Related Diseases. Advances in Redox Research, 5, Article ID: 100037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arres.2022.100037
[51]
Lee, Y.H., Kuk, M.U., So, M.K., Song, E.S., Lee, H., Ahn, S.K., et al. (2023) Targeting Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress as a Strategy to Treat Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Antioxidants, 12, Article 934. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12040934
[52]
D’Amico, D., Andreux, P.A., Valdés, P., Singh, A., Rinsch, C. and Auwerx, J. (2021) Impact of the Natural Compound Urolithin a on Health, Disease, and Aging. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 27, 687-699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2021.04.009
[53]
Ryu, D., Mouchiroud, L., Andreux, P.A., Katsyuba, E., Moullan, N., Nicolet-dit-Félix, A.A., et al. (2016) Urolithin a Induces Mitophagy and Prolongs Lifespan in C. elegans and Increases Muscle Function in Rodents. Nature Medicine, 22, 879-888. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.4132
[54]
Faitg, J., D’Amico, D., Rinsch, C. and Singh, A. (2023) Mitophagy Activation by Urolithin a to Target Muscle Aging. Calcified Tissue International, 114, 53-59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-023-01145-5
[55]
Pyo, I.S., Yun, S., Yoon, Y.E., Choi, J. and Lee, S. (2020) Mechanisms of Aging and the Preventive Effects of Resveratrol on Age-Related Diseases. Molecules, 25, Article 4649. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204649
[56]
Zhu, M., Meng, P., Ling, X. and Zhou, L. (2020) Advancements in Therapeutic Drugs Targeting of Senescence. Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease, 11, Article ID: 2040622320964125. https://doi.org/10.1177/2040622320964125
[57]
Aversa, Z., White, T.A., Heeren, A.A., Hulshizer, C.A., Saul, D., Zhang, X., et al. (2023) Calorie Restriction Reduces Biomarkers of Cellular Senescence in Humans. Aging Cell, 23, e14038. https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.14038
[58]
Yan, X., Imano, N., Tamaki, K., Sano, M. and Shinmura, K. (2021) The Effect of Caloric Restriction on the Increase in Senescence-Associated T Cells and Metabolic Disorders in Aged Mice. PLOS ONE, 16, e0252547. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252547
[59]
Reddy, V.P. (2023) Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. Biomedicines, 11, Article 2925. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11112925
[60]
Pizzino, G., Irrera, N., Cucinotta, M., Pallio, G., Mannino, F., Arcoraci, V., et al. (2017) Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017, Article ID: 8416763. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8416763
[61]
Ngo, V. and Duennwald, M.L. (2022) Nrf2 and Oxidative Stress: A General Overview of Mechanisms and Implications in Human Disease. Antioxidants, 11, Article 2345. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11122345
[62]
Hammad, M., Raftari, M., Cesário, R., Salma, R., Godoy, P., Emami, S.N., et al. (2023) Roles of Oxidative Stress and Nrf2 Signaling in Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Cells: A Possible General Mechanism of Resistance to Therapy. Antioxidants, 12, Article 1371. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071371
[63]
Yu, C. and Xiao, J. (2021) The Keap1-Nrf2 System: A Mediator between Oxidative Stress and Aging. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021, Article ID: 6635460. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6635460
[64]
Wu, G., Lupton, J.R., Turner, N.D., Fang, Y. and Yang, S. (2004) Glutathione Metabolism and Its Implications for Health. The Journal of Nutrition, 134, 489-492. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.3.489
[65]
Xiao, W. and Loscalzo, J. (2020) Metabolic Responses to Reductive Stress. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 32, 1330-1347. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2019.7803
[66]
Maher, P. (2005) The Effects of Stress and Aging on Glutathione Metabolism. Ageing Research Reviews, 4, 288-314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2005.02.005
[67]
Ribeiro, B. (2023) Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant. Ozone Therapy Global Journal, 13, 175-197.
[68]
Chen, J., Wong, H.S. and Ko, K.M. (2015) Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production Mediates Ursolic Acid-Induced Mitochondrial Uncoupling and Glutathione Redox Cycling, with Protection against Oxidant Injury in H9c2 Cells. Food & Function, 6, 549-557. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4fo00715h
[69]
Wong, H.S., Leong, P.K., Chen, J., Leung, H.Y., Chan, W.M. and Ko, K.M. (2016) β-Sitosterol Increases Mitochondrial Electron Transport by Fluidizing Mitochondrial Membranes and Enhances Mitochondrial Responsiveness to Increasing Energy Demand by the Induction of Uncoupling in C2C12 Myotubes. Journal of Functional Foods, 23, 253-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2016.02.045
[70]
Leong, P.K., Chiu, P.Y. and Ko, K.M. (2012) Prooxidant-Induced Glutathione Antioxidant Response inVitro and inVivo: A Comparative Study between Schisandrin B and Curcumin. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 35, 464-472. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.35.464
[71]
Lam, P.Y. and Ko, K.M. (2012) Schisandrin B as a Hormetic Agent for Preventing Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2012, Article ID: 250825. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/250825
[72]
Zhao, H. and Luo, Y. (2017) Traditional Chinese Medicine and Aging Intervention. Aging and Disease, 8, 688-690. https://doi.org/10.14336/ad.2017.1002
[73]
Yu, L., Shi, T., Li, Y., Mu, J., Yang, Y., Li, W., et al. (2022) The Impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Mitophagy in Disease Models. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 28, 488-496. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612827666211006150410
[74]
Wang, L., Zuo, X., Ouyang, Z., Qiao, P. and Wang, F. (2021) A Systematic Review of Antiaging Effects of 23 Traditional Chinese Medicines. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, Article ID: 5591573. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5591573
[75]
Qin, X., Li, H., Zhao, H., Fang, L. and Wang, X. (2024) Enhancing Healthy Aging with Small Molecules: A Mitochondrial Perspective. Medicinal Research Reviews, 44, 1904-1922. https://doi.org/10.1002/med.22034
[76]
Luís, C., Maduro, A.T., Pereira, P., Mendes, J.J., Soares, R. and Ramalho, R. (2022) Nutritional Senolytics and Senomorphics: Implications to Immune Cells Metabolism and Aging—From Theory to Practice. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, Article 958563. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.958563
[77]
Shen, J., Shan, J., Zhong, L., Liang, B., Zhang, D., Li, M., et al. (2022) Dietary Phytochemicals That Can Extend Longevity by Regulation of Metabolism. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 77, 12-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-021-00946-z
