Searching for Life and Youth in Your Garden

Throughout history, humans have searched for the secret to immortality and eternal youth. Many times in myths, the answer was a plant. Greek and Roman gods drank nectar. Norse goddess Iðunn is the keeper of apples of youth. In Chinese mythology, peaches of immortality offer eternal life. In the real world, many traditional medicines use plants to promote energy and longevity. Associate Scientist Wendy Applequist, of the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plants and People division, shares more.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicinal teas in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Biocultural Collection. Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Treatments reputed specifically to increase longevity, as opposed to treating the diseases associated with age, are most popular in traditional Asian medical cultures. Traditional Chinese medicine, especially in the Taoist tradition, has used botanical formulas as one of the supposed avenues to longevity. Chinese herbal formulas often include many species, and sometimes animal products as well as plants or fungi. Some of the botanicals considered most valuable to preserve health in old age were:

Ginseng, Panax ginseng

A specimen of ginseng from China in the Garden’s Herbarium. Photo courtesy of Tropicos.

The root of this plant is reputed to “tonify” qi, or vital energy, and to improve mental function. Traditionally, it is an herb for the elderly. A few studies have found that it may boost cognitive performance in older people but not young people.

Huang Qi, Astragalus membranaceus

An herbarium specimen of *Astragalus membranaceus.* Photo courtesy of Tropicos.

Like ginseng, the root of this plant is considered to tonify qi and increase “yang” or active energy. In Chinese Traditional Medicine, it is used for many conditions associated with deficient energy or weakness. Research shows it can improve cancer-related fatigue and knee pain. Limited evidence suggests it may help with diabetic neuropathy and kidney disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and other age-related conditions.

Reishi, Ganoderma lucidum

*Ganoderma lucidum* in the wild. Photo by Gerrit Davidse, courtesy of Tropicos.

This shelf fungus is believed to be tonifying and nourishing, to calm the spirit and reduce forgetfulness, and to help with respiratory infections. Modern science has shown that reishi extracts can be an effective adjuvant to chemotherapy and can reduce the risk of recurrence of some cancers.

Traditional Japanese Medicine

Traditional Japanese medicine has an overlapping set of plants believed to be good for the ailments of old age.

Gotu kola, Centella asiatica

*Centella* *asiatica* is associated with mental sharpness. Photo by David Stang, courtesy of Tropicos.

People traditionally used this flowering perennial plant for mental sharpness. Some clinical trials found evidence of improvements in memory.

Ashitaba, Angelica keiskei

*Angelica keiskei* in Tokyo. Photo courtesy of *Wikimedia Commons*.

The name of this edible herb literally translates to “tomorrow’s leaf.” Ashitaba is reputed to stave off old age. Scientists found that this plant does contain compounds that reduce cellular degeneration and increase lifespan in yeasts, worms, and flies.

Other traditions

Mint family

*Mentha* *spicata* ‘Kentucky Colonel.’ Photo by Daria McKelvey.

In Europe, some culinary herbs are thought to contribute to healthy aging. People in regions where traditional foods are still eaten, and life expectancy is often better, grow or gather herbs to be included in meals every day. In particular, they believe the mint family, which includes sage and rosemary, assists mental acuity. Science finds some evidence that these plants benefit health when used as part of our food.

Mountain tea, Sideritis scardica

In Eastern Europe, mountain tea is sometimes called “longevity tea.” Recent research reported anti-inflammatory and cognitive-boosting effects.

moringa, Moringa oleifera

An illustration of moringa in the Peter H. Raven Library’s copy of *Flore médicale des Antilles, ou, Traité des plantes usuelles des colonies Françaises, Anglaises, Espagnoles et Portugaises.* Photo courtesy of Biodiversity Heritage Library.

In Africa, some people call moringa, a tree imported from Asia, the “tree of longevity.” Its edible leaves are far richer in protein than most leafy greens, boosting nutrition and thereby, very possibly, life expectancy. In addition, it is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, and perhaps cancer- and diabetes-fighting.

Elixirs of Life

In Indian myth, amrita (immortality) was an immortality-bestowing drink, much like the “elixirs of life.” Legends throughout Eurasia describe such elixirs.

Indian tinospora, Tinospora cordifolia

Indian tinospora. Photo by Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

One important classical medical text used amrita as a name for Indian tinospora. The text said this climbing shrub could defend against disease and lengthen life. Clinical trials report that Indian tinospora may benefit metabolic syndrome and modulate the immune system.

Symbols of Immortality

A botanical illustration of a pomegranate found in *A Curious Herbal* in the Peter H. Raven Library. Photo courtesy of Biodiversity Heritage Library.

Some plants have been symbols of long life or immortality without being believed to bestow those benefits. In Mediterranean cultures, for instance, pomegranates could represent immortality, death, and fertility. Traditionally, however, medicinal uses were primarily for more minor issues like acute infections. Now, science has found that pomegranate lowers blood sugar and may have anti-cancer activity. Pomegranate juice can improve mobility in arthritis and improve memory.

Catherine Martin, Senior Public Information Officer
Many thanks to Missouri Botanical Garden Associate Scientist Wendy Applequist and Garden Librarian Rebecca Benson.