Did you know that there are cells in your body that are essentially “zombies”? These cells, known as senescent cells, have stopped dividing but remain in the body, contributing to inflammation and age-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. But what if there was a natural compound that could combat these zombie cells and potentially slow down the aging process?
Enter ficetin, a type of flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables. Ficetin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Recent studies have also shown that ficetin may be able to selectively eliminate senescent cells without harming healthy cells.
In a study published in the journal Aging Cell, researchers tested the effects of ficetin on senescent cells in mice and found that the compound was able to eliminate the zombie cells without causing harm to healthy cells. This is a significant finding, as traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation also kill healthy cells in addition to cancer cells.
But the potential benefits of ficetin don’t stop there. Senescent cells accumulate in the body as we age and have been linked to a decline in overall health and an increased risk of age-related diseases. By eliminating these zombie cells, ficetin may be able to slow down the aging process and promote healthier aging.
Of course, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of ficetin on zombie cells and aging. However, given its natural origin and relatively low toxicity, ficetin is an attractive candidate for further study.
Here are the top 5 foods that are good sources of ficetin:
Incorporating these foods into your diet can help increase your intake of ficetin and other beneficial compounds. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are a great source of ficetin, with one cup containing approximately 16 milligrams of the compound.
- Apples: Apples are another fruit that is high in ficetin, with one medium-sized apple containing approximately 8 milligrams of the compound
- Grapes: Grapes, particularly red and purple varieties, are also a good source of ficetin. One cup of grapes contains approximately 4 milligrams of the compound.
- Onions: Onions are a vegetable that is high in ficetin, with one cup of chopped onions containing approximately 9 milligrams of the compound.
- Persimmons: Persimmons are a fruit that is less well-known but still a good source of ficetin, with one persimmon containing approximately 4 milligrams of the compound.
So, could ficetin be the key to combating zombie cells and promoting healthier aging? Only time and further research will tell. But the potential is certainly exciting and worth exploring further.
The following studies are sources used for this article:
- “Fisetin is a senotherapeutic that extends health and lifespan,” published in the journal EBioMedicine in 2018.
- “Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, synergizes with cisplatin to induce apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells through provoking DNA damage,” published in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications in 2019.
- “Fisetin, a dietary phytochemical, overcomes Erlotinib-resistance of lung adenocarcinoma cells through inhibition of MAPK and AKT pathways,” published in the journal Pharmacological Research in 2020.
- “Fisetin inhibits cellular senescence and inflammation induced by doxorubicin,” published in the journal American Journal of Translational Research in 2020.
- “Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, eliminates senescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells through activation of FOXO3a and SIRT1,” published in the journal Aging Cell in 2020.
These studies provide evidence for the potential health benefits of ficetin, including its ability to combat senescent cells and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of ficetin on human health and aging.
