Hydrogen sulfide and antiaging
Hydrogen sulfide is most commonly known as rotten egg gas and is poisonous, corrosive, flammable and explosive according to Wikipedia. So what then is a claim by Chinese researchers that the compound can have antiaging effects?
Aha – apparently we also make the stuff in our kidneys from cysteine (an amino acid plentiful in whey), and amounts decline with age. We make 2 other gases – nitric oxide and carbon monoxide.
Some of the effects of the compound we make internally (rather than obviously the poisonous gas) are:
- activates SIRT1 – an enzyme thought to regulate lifespan (Resveratrol is also thought to activate SIRT1)
- relaxes vascular cells and muscle
- protects against cardiovascular disease
- works as an antioxidant
- inhibits inflammation
- regulates blood pressure
- helps increase the response of a gene – klotho thought to extend lifespan by promoting production of natural antioxidants
- may also have a protective effect against cancer
Lower levels of natural hydrogen sulfide levels are related to:
- hypertension
- cardiovascular disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Where can we get some more of the magic? Garlic – the allicin converts to hydrogen sufide but probably need glutathione to do it. Just one more reason to include garlic or garlic supplements in our diet I think.
Can see the ScienceDaily article here:
Hydrogen sulfide: The next anti-aging agent?
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