Berberine, ashwagandha, ginkgo… do they delay aging?

When a particular compound or dietary supplement has only preclinical research or limited clinical studies to support its use, the evidence should be considered cautiously. The results of animal tests do not always accurately predict the results in humans: a substance that shows promising results in preclinical studies may not show any effects in patient trials, recalls HealthNews, which puts some of them under the scientific microscope. . Berberine increases life expectancy. This claim is too general to fit into the “real” category, but more research is needed to rule it out completely. Preclinical data suggest that berberine supplementation extended the lifespan of fruit flies. How about the most relevant human data? A 2021 meta-analysis suggests that its is associated with reductions in obesity and improvements in cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. While these results are promising, more research is needed to evaluate its direct effectiveness in increasing life expectancy. Ginkgo biloba prevents age-related memory decline. The evidence is contradictory. They have been shown to improve the symptoms of several types of dementia, but they do not appear to prevent it or slow its progression. Ashwagandha combats age-related decline in body function. Not likely. However, new evidence suggests that taking its oral formulation daily for 12 weeks can improve sleep, alertness and well-being in older people (adults between 65 and 80 years old), compared to a placebo. This study, although small, is promising. However, more research and larger trials are needed to say whether ashwagandha definitively benefits aging.