Ashitaba, botanically known as angelica keiskei, is a perennial plant under the genus angelica, native to a volcanic island off of Japan. The word ashitaba means “Tomorrow’s Leaf”. This name refers to its speed of regenerating after harvesting leaves. When a leaf is harvested at the break of day, the result is often a new sprout overnight. Ashitaba, with its extensive health benefits has been used as a longevity tonic for at least 2,000 years. Surprisingly to me, it remains a relatively obscure natural medicine even as we progress through the modern world where new scientific studies are proving the powerful regenerative and anti-aging nature of this herb.
Ashitaba Stimulates Nerve Growth Factor In the Brain – You CAN Grow New Adult Brain Cells!
Likely its most prevalent unique health benefit, ashitaba has been studied to increase the body’s production of nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is one of the major key signals for developing your brain from conception all the way to adulthood. Studies (Terry et all 2011) have shown a decline in NGF in specific brain regions with advancing age. This decrease is correlated with cognitive decline and diminished learning ability as we age. Scientists at the Biomedical Group of Takara Shuzo Co. Ltd have discovered that Ashitaba can stimulate natural production of Nerve Growth Factor. I have also read about an animal study showing that taking ashitaba daily can increase nerve growth factor (NGF) production in the body by up to 20% in just 4 days.
To elaborate, NGF is a neurotrophic protein that helps sensory and sympathetic neurons grow, differentiate, and survive during development. It also helps maintain the nervous system’s normal function and speed up its repair after injury. This NGF+ effect from ashitaba is an extremely rare property to find even top medicinal herbs.
To simplify, increasing NGF results in improved growth, survival and repair of neurons in the brain. NGF increases axonal branching as well as length. Diminished NGF leads to degeneration of the brain and also decreased cognitive function. Increasing NGF improves nerve signaling, motor and cortical function and as a result cognition, including social communication are improved. Anyone concerned with longevity, brain health and cognitive performance should absolutely consider adding ashitaba to their supplement stack for increasing brain function, intelligence, memory, reaction time as well as partially or fully regenerating nerves that have been damaged or lost through aging, inflammation or trauma.
Ashitaba The Adaptogen
Adaptogenic plants are those that desensitize the body and its cells from a broad spectrum of stress. This means that consuming adaptogens keeps the body youthful by protecting every cell in the body from the stresses of toxins, sleep deprivation, overworking, intense exertion, drugs, anxiety, allergies, trauma and extreme temperatures, among other stresses. This is why adaptogens have been among the top longevity tonics for many thousands of years of human history. I would put ashitaba above even some of the most well known adaptogens (ginseng?) due to it’s utility in maintaining and regenerating the most important organ for longevity, the brain.
Ashitaba’s Powerful, Unique Chemistry
Ashitaba contains a specific type of flavonoid (antioxidant class of compounds like are found in green tea) called chalcones. Chalcones are only found in the angelica family and are extremely rare in nature. These rare compounds bring powerful health benefits and should be revered and used as medicine by health practitioners. This nutritious herb nourishes and further benefits the body in that chalcones protect and heal in a way that is unique to any other botanical.
Extremely Powerful Antioxidant
The chalcones found abundantly in ashitaba are revered for their remarkable antioxidant potency, elevating this herb to a status of profound therapeutic significance. These natural compounds, notably xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin, exhibit extraordinary scavenging abilities against reactive oxygen species (ROS), the notorious culprits behind cellular damage and aging. What sets chalcones apart is their unique molecular structure, which enables them to neutralize a wide spectrum of free radicals with exceptional efficiency. Studies suggest that the antioxidant prowess of ashitaba’s chalcones surpasses even that of well-known antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, making them invaluable in combating oxidative stress and its associated health risks. Incorporating ashitaba into one’s daily regimen offers a potent shield against oxidative damage, promoting longevity and vitality from within.
Summary
In conclusion, ashitaba emerges as a powerhouse for brain health and longevity. Its rich reservoir of antioxidants, particularly chalcones, not only bolster the body’s defenses against oxidative stress but also stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, promoting neuronal health and cognitive function. With its traditional use rooted in longevity practices and supported by modern research, ashitaba stands as a promising ally in the quest for overall well-being and vitality.
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