By Dr. Joseph Purita
Read time: about 3.5 minutes
Senescent cells are sometimes called “Zombie cells.” They are cells that have entered a state of irreversible growth arrest, meaning they have stopped dividing and can no longer proliferate. This process is known as cellular senescence, a natural aging process.
Unfortunately, senescent cells can lead to a whole host of problems. Senescent cells have stopped dividing due to stress or damage to their DNA. In response to these stressors, cells enter a state of senescence, a permanent cell cycle arrest.
Senescence is a mechanism that prevents cells from becoming cancerous by stopping the replication of damaged DNA, which could otherwise lead to the accumulation of mutations that promote cancer development.
When cells enter senescence, they produce a variety of molecules that can harm surrounding cells and tissues. These molecules, including inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and proteases, can cause tissue damage and inflammation. Furthermore, it can force surrounding cells to become senescent.
Over time, the accumulation of senescent cells can contribute to age-related diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Cell senescence and its implications encompass a whole new field of science, influencing many traditional areas of medicine. SenUltra™ is a new supplement that is more than merely another senolytic agent. It is a Senotherapeutic agent that attacks the senescent cell via several methods.
A Powerful Combination of Multiple Senolytic Agents
This combination of supplements is unique because of its multi-modal approach to dealing with senescent cells. The following is a brief discussion about the ingredients.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound extensively studied for its therapeutic properties. It has been shown to have various biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities.
Curcumin has been reported to modulate several molecular targets, including transcription factors, growth factors, cytokines, enzymes, and signaling pathways. Curcumin can influence senescence by activating multiple pathways that affect DNA damage response, oxidative stress, and the cell cycle.
One specific pathway is the P-53 pathway. The P-53 pathway can analyze cells, leading to cell growth arrest or DNA repair.
The mTOR pathway is another critical pathway that curcumin targets in the context of aging, age-related diseases, and senescent cells. mTOR, which regulates cell growth and metabolism, is a protein kinase.
A kinase is an enzyme that adds a phosphate group to a protein or other molecule, a process called phosphorylation. This phosphorylation can alter the activity, function, localization, or stability of the protein or molecule, thereby regulating various cellular processes, including cell growth, division, differentiation, metabolism, signaling, and apoptosis. Multiple signals activate the mTOR pathway, including growth factors, nutrients, and energy levels.
Hyperactivated mTOR can promote cellular senescence by upregulating pro-senescent genes and downregulating anti-senescent genes. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit mTOR signaling through multiple mechanisms.
Another pathway that curcumin can activate is the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor inhibiting mTOR signaling. AMPK activation by curcumin can also promote autophagy, a cellular recycling process that can eliminate damaged organelles and protein aggregates, including those associated with cellular senescence.
In addition to its effects on mTOR signaling, curcumin has been shown to induce apoptosis in senescent cells directly. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that can eliminate damaged or unwanted cells, including senescent cells. Curcumin-induced apoptosis in senescent cells has been attributed to the upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes and the downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes.
Curcumin has also been reported to have other effects that could contribute to its ability to eliminate senescent cells and promote healthy aging. For example, curcumin can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key drivers of cellular senescence and age-related diseases.
Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
One significant advantage of SenUltra™ is the bioavailability of the major components. The Ultra Botanica company utilizes its patented LPS™ technology for this. LPS™ stands for Liquid Protein Scaffolding™. It pushes the curcumin molecule (and other botanicals) into the cells rapidly and effectively. The real benefit here is that we are increasing the bioavailability of the compounds. Increased bioavailability means more of the mixture gets to where it is needed.
Fisetin
Another significant component of SenUltra™ is Fisetin. Fisetin is a flavonoid, a type of plant-derived compound, that has been shown to have potential benefits in reducing the accumulation of senescent cells.
Research has shown that fisetin can help eliminate senescent cells through senolysis. Senolysis is the selective destruction of senescent cells without harming healthy cells.
Fisetin induces senolysis by activating a specific pathway in cells called the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which triggers the release of proteins that can cause senescent cells to die.
Studies have found that Fisetin can inhibit the activation of the mTOR pathway by inhibiting the expression of a specific protein (S6K1), a downstream target of the mTOR pathway.
By inhibiting S6K1, Fisetin can prevent the overactivation of the mTOR pathway, which contributes to cellular senescence and aging. Inhibiting mTOR is a primary goal in many anti-aging protocols.
In addition to inhibiting the mTOR pathway, Fisetin has also been found to activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. This cellular energy sensor regulates various cellular processes, including metabolism, autophagy, and inflammation.
Activating the AMPK pathway can inhibit the mTOR pathway, contributing to its potential anti-aging effects. Fisetin has been shown to have possible anti-aging aspects by inhibiting the mTOR pathway and activating the AMPK pathway. Like Curcumin, LPS™ technology is used to increase Fisetin bioavailability.
Quercetin
SenUltra™ also contains quercetin which eliminates senescent cells through the induction of apoptosis of senescent cells. Senescent cells have been shown to resist apoptosis, which can contribute to their accumulation in tissues and organs. Quercetin has been found to induce apoptosis in senescent cells, leading to their selective elimination.
Another potential mechanism by which quercetin eliminates senescent cells is inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. This is similar to the mechanism of Fisetin. This pathway is upregulated in senescent cells and can contribute to senescent cell survival and resistance to apoptosis.
Quercetin has been found to inhibit this pathway, leading to the selective elimination of senescent cells.
Quercetin has also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce the accumulation of senescent cells in tissues and prevent age-related diseases. As with curcumin, LPS™ technology is used to increase quercetin bioavailability.
Gamma-tocopherol/Vitamin E
Gamma-tocopherol is a form of vitamin E found in many foods, including nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. It is also a component of SenUltra™.
Gamma-tocopherol has been found to have various health benefits, including supporting a healthy inflammatory response, antioxidant, and supporting health cell division and differentiation.
Some critical differences make gamma-tocopherol unique from other forms of vitamin E. The gamma form has antioxidant activity, and Gamma-tocopherol has been shown to have potent antioxidant activity against lipid peroxidation, a major cause of cell damage and aging.
Furthermore, the gamma form has better absorption, making it more bioavailable than other forms of vitamin E. Research suggests that gamma-tocopherol may have anti-cancer properties and neuroprotective effects in conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer’s. It may also have a role in reducing cholesterol levels and improving cardiovascular health.
Gamma-tocopherol is particularly effective at certain neutralizing types of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, gamma-tocopherol may help prevent the accumulation of senescent cells and reduce the pro-inflammatory environment they create.
One of the ways gamma-tocopherol may help to eliminate senescent cells is through its ability to induce autophagy.
Again, autophagy is a cellular process by which damaged or dysfunctional cellular components are degraded and recycled. This is especially important in the recycling of mitochondria. It is an essential mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis, and dysfunction in autophagy has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
In addition to its ability to induce autophagy, gamma-tocopherol also has antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Oxidative stress is a condition in which there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them. This can lead to cellular damage and the accumulation of senescent cells.
Spermidine
Another component is Spermidine. Spermidine is a polyamine found in various foods, including wheat germ, soybeans, and aged cheese, and is synthesized in the body from amino acids. It has been found to have potential anti-aging effects, and several studies have suggested that it may promote autophagy.
Spermidine has been found to induce autophagy through various mechanisms, including inhibition of the mTOR pathway, activation of AMPK, and induction of autophagy-related genes.
These mechanisms lead to the degradation and recycling of damaged cellular components, including those found in senescent cells, leading to improved cellular health and potentially delaying the onset of age-related diseases.
Beta-Glucans
SenUltra™ also contains beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of certain types of fungi, such as baker’s yeast and medicinal mushrooms. Studies have suggested that beta-glucans have anti-aging properties and may help eliminate senescent cells from the body.
Beta-glucans have been shown to activate a type of immune cell called a macrophage. Macrophages identify and destroy foreign or abnormal cells in the body, including senescent cells.
When ingested, beta-glucans stimulate the immune activity of macrophages, which can help identify and remove senescent cells. Beta-glucans can activate macrophages by binding to a receptor on the surface of the macrophage called dectin-1. When beta-glucans bind to dectin-1, they trigger a signaling pathway that activates the macrophage and increases its ability to phagocytose or engulf senescent cells.
In addition to activating macrophages, beta-glucans can also modulate the production of inflammatory molecules in the body. Senescent cells are known to secrete inflammatory molecules, so by reducing inflammation, beta-glucans may help to reduce the negative impact of senescent cells on nearby tissues.
Ginger
A recent study supported by the National Institute on Aging has discovered that ginger extract contains a natural senolytic agent called gingernone A.
Gingerenone A is a component of ginger extract that can induce apoptosis in senescent cells while sparing non-senescent cells. The researchers found that gingerenone A was more potent and less toxic than the combination of dasatinib and quercetin, the most widely used senolytic protocol, including those found in many university studies.
A clinical study showed that Gingerenone A reduces senescent cell numbers and subsequently reduces inflammation. The study suggests that ginger’s anti-inflammatory effect may be partly due to its senolytic properties.
The supplement extracts of strawberry and blueberry were added to the formula to help fortify the effects of the other components.
Cycle for Best Effects
As one can see, SenUltra™ is in a class by itself for dealing with senescent cells.
It employs senolytic principles, killing senescent cells by stimulating apoptosis. It enables the immune system to remove senescent cells via phagocytosis. It is a potent stimulator of autophagy, which allows the recycling the valuable cell parts such as the mitochondria.
Finally, it controls inflammation, making the cellular environment less conducive for senescent cell formation.
It is generally recommended that senolytics be taken intermittently rather than continuously, avoiding off-target effects on healthy cells.
Some senescent cells are needed for our health. Many of the components found in SenUltra™ individually can be taken frequently without any known problems.
On the other hand, SenUltra™ should be taken for a month or two and discontinued for one month. This is a reasonable cycle, and it is generally recommended.
His Journey from Chemo Skeptic to Curcumin Skeptic and Beyond
Guest Kyle Drew describes his Big Pharma sales experience as his Judas moments. Yet he also became a considerable curcumin skeptic. Why?
Discover the strange parallels between the world of Big Pharma and the world of natural health… and how Drew lost money by refusing to play the Judas game any longer. A continuation of our conversation last week, where he tells of his Big Pharma sales experiences and training.
Don’t miss any of his very compelling story of betrayal… and becoming true to his values.
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