Uncovering the geroprotective potential of medicinal plants from the Judea region of Israel

Arie Budovsky, Albert Shteinberg, Hani Maor, Olga Duman, Hagai Yanai, Marina Wolfson, Vadim E. Fraifeld

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Plants growing in the Judea region are widely used in traditional medicine. This phytogeographic zone stands out in its climatic conditions and biodiversity. Consequently, both endemic and widely distributed Mediterranean plants growing in the area have unique chemotypes characterized by accumulation of relatively high levels of phytosteroids. Our comprehensive analysis revealed that many of the plants growing in the Judea region may hold a geroprotective potential. With this in mind, we undertook a wide screen of dozens of candidate herbal extracts for their cell protective, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. The results obtained thus far have clearly shown that the extracts tested (1) protect normal human fibroblasts from genotoxic stress (prevent DNA double-strand beaks, increase cell survival and reduce the number of cells undergoing cellular senescence), (2) decrease secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, (3) promote wound healing, and (4) exert more pronounced cytotoxicity toward cancer cells.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)134-139
Number of pages6
JournalRejuvenation Research
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Apr 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aging
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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