How Ashitaba Compounds Can ‘Clean Out Cellular Garbage’
According to an article published in the Times of Malta, a natural substance known as 4,4′-dimethoxychalcone, or DMC, in ashitaba can clean out “cellular garbage,” such as aggregated proteins that can accumulate in aging cells and cause disease.
Frank Madeo, a professor at the University of Graz’s Institute of Molecular Biosciences in Austria, says DMC can start a recycling process that’s vital for sustaining optimal health even while aging. His team of researchers looked at various flavonoids in search of compounds that stimulate the process, and noted that fasting seems to help kick-start the “spring cleaning” known as autophagy. They added:
“Many flavonoids have already been shown to have a range of beneficial effects, ranging from anti-inflammatory properties to protecting against brain degeneration and cancer. The team reasoned that they might find flavonoids that could also help prevent destructive ageing in cells.
They screened 180 compounds representing various subcategories of flavonoids, looking for candidates that might have the natural ability to “counteract age-related cell demise.”5
Testing proved that ashitaba performed as well or better than other compounds, including those with a natural cell-protective capacity, such as resveratrol, found in grape skin and other deeply hued plant-based foods. Madeo observed that it’s “always nice to find a scientific rationale for traditional medical folk tales.”6