Family members! We all know that time is like a ‘butcher’s knife’. As we grow older, our skin becomes sagging, wrinkles appear, and we can even gasp for breath when climbing stairs… These old looks are really unsettling. In order to retain youth, we constantly try various methods, both to apply essence and to eat health care products. Is your wallet still flat? In fact, the scientific and industrial communities have found the “youth key” -10 super functional raw materials. Some of them can resist oxidation and eliminate free radicals; Some can promote cell repair and enhance cell vitality. How do these ingredients exert anti-aging effects? Why is it highly sought after?

01

The underlying logic of the anti-aging track: comprehensive defense from cells to systems

The essence of anti-aging is to delay or reverse the functional decline of cells and tissues. Modern scientific research has shown that aging is closely related to mechanisms such as oxidative stress, telomere shortening, metabolic disorders, and chronic inflammation. The anti-aging value of functional ingredients lies in their ability to precisely intervene in these pathways. The following 10 raw materials include both iterative upgrades of traditional classic ingredients and breakthrough discoveries of cutting-edge technology. Next, let’s unveil their mysterious veil together.

02

The anti-aging password for the top 10 super functional ingredients

1. Uridine – the “energy currency” for cell regeneration

Scientific basis: The Chinese Academy of Sciences found that uridine can significantly improve the efficiency of cell energy metabolism, promote the recovery of mitochondrial function, and delay cell aging.

Application scenarios: Oral supplements, functional beverages.

Industry News: Japanese companies have launched “anti fatigue drinks” containing uridine, and several domestic biotechnology companies are accelerating the development of related products.

2. Elastic protein peptide – the “invisible spring” of skin anti collapse

Scientific truth: Elastin only accounts for 2% -4% of skin protein, but its elasticity is 1000 times that of collagen. The degradation of elastic fibers can lead to skin sagging, and even with sufficient collagen, it is impossible to avoid “facial collapse”.

Technological breakthrough: The CT50 composite component developed by Huaxi Biotechnology has entered the clinical trial stage by activating the expression of elastin related genes.

3. miR-302b – the “gene switch” that reverses cellular aging

Frontier research: A team from the Henan Academy of Sciences has discovered that miR-302b carried by extracellular vesicles can target aging related genes, extend the lifespan of aged mice by 15%, and restore hair and motor abilities.

Industrialization challenge: The purification cost of extracellular vesicles is high, and they are currently mainly used in the high-end medical aesthetics field. The oral bioavailability still needs to be improved.

4. Probiotics+prebiotics – the “golden combination” for intestinal anti-aging

Mechanism analysis: Imbalance of gut microbiota can trigger “inflammatory aging”, and specific strains (such as Bifidobacterium lactis B420) can reduce visceral fat and lower levels of inflammatory cytokine IL-6.

Innovative application: Xianle Health Anti aging Research Institute is developing sausage coated soft candy and gel tablets containing probiotics to achieve coordinated anti-aging of “gut skin axis”.

5. Plant polyphenols (such as resveratrol and oleuropein) – the “natural catchers” of free radicals

Classic value: Polyphenols can reduce oxidative damage by activating the SIRT1 longevity gene and inhibiting the NF – κ B inflammatory pathway. Research has found that the antioxidant capacity of hydroxytyrosol in extra virgin olive oil is 10 times that of vitamin C.

Technological upgrade: Nano encapsulation technology enhances bioavailability, such as increasing the oral absorption rate of quercetin liposomes by three times.

6. Marine active peptides (such as collagen tripeptides and mussel mucin) – the “molecular craftsmen” of repair systems

Unique advantage: Collagen tripeptides with a molecular weight less than 500Da can be directly absorbed by the small intestine and reach the dermis layer within 48 hours to promote collagen synthesis. Mussel mucin can repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Market trend: The global market size of marine anti-aging raw materials is expected to exceed 5 billion US dollars by 2025, with China becoming the largest supplier of raw materials.

7. NAD+precursors (such as NMN, NR) – the “ultimate fuel” for energy metabolism

Mechanism of action: NAD+is a core coenzyme involved in DNA repair and mitochondrial function, but its level decreases by 90% with age. Supplementing NMN can rejuvenate the mitochondrial function of mouse muscles.

Controversy Focus: In 2023, the FDA halted the sale of NMN as a dietary supplement, but China opened up the market for compliant products through the “Safety Assessment of New Food Ingredients”.

8. Fermentation products of Sphingomonas vaginalis – an “invisible shield” against glycation

Innovative discovery: This fermentation product can inhibit the formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) and repair elastin caused by glycation denaturation. Clinical tests have shown that after 8 weeks of continuous use, skin elasticity increases by 21%.

Industrial application: Used in the design of anti sugar drinks and functional gummies formulas.

9. Phycocyanin – the “blue blood aristocrat” that resists photoaging

Scientific endorsement:blue  Spirulina extracted phycocyanin has superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which can clear UV induced free radicals. Experiments have shown that its anti photoaging effect is superior to vitamin E.

Technical difficulty: Poor stability, requiring microencapsulation technology to solve the problem of light degradation.

10. Extracellular vesicles (hESC Exos) – the “information express” of cellular communication

Breakthrough progress: The active ingredients carried by the extracellular vesicles of human embryonic stem cells can restart the proliferation ability of aging cells. In animal experiments, elderly mice showed significant improvements in grip strength and cognitive function after injection.

Ethical controversy: The application of embryonic stem cells requires strict regulation, currently limited to scientific research and high-end medical fields.

03

Three golden rules for the application of

Family members! We all know that time is like a ‘butcher’s knife’. As we grow older, our skin becomes sagging, wrinkles appear, and we can even gasp for breath when climbing stairs… These old looks are really unsettling. In order to retain youth, we constantly try various methods, both to apply essence and to eat health care products. Is your wallet still flat? In fact, the scientific and industrial communities have found the “youth key” -10 super functional raw materials. Some of them can resist oxidation and eliminate free radicals; Some can promote cell repair and enhance cell vitality. How do these ingredients exert anti-aging effects? Why is it highly sought after?

01

The underlying logic of the anti-aging track: comprehensive defense from cells to systems

The essence of anti-aging is to delay or reverse the functional decline of cells and tissues. Modern scientific research has shown that aging is closely related to mechanisms such as oxidative stress, telomere shortening, metabolic disorders, and chronic inflammation. The anti-aging value of functional ingredients lies in their ability to precisely intervene in these pathways. The following 10 raw materials include both iterative upgrades of traditional classic ingredients and breakthrough discoveries of cutting-edge technology. Next, let’s unveil their mysterious veil together.

02

The anti-aging password for the top 10 super functional ingredients

1. Uridine – the “energy currency” for cell regeneration

Scientific basis: The Chinese Academy of Sciences found that uridine can significantly improve the efficiency of cell energy metabolism, promote the recovery of mitochondrial function, and delay cell aging.

Application scenarios: Oral supplements, functional beverages.

Industry News: Japanese companies have launched “anti fatigue drinks” containing uridine, and several domestic biotechnology companies are accelerating the development of related products.

2. Elastic protein peptide – the “invisible spring” of skin anti collapse

Scientific truth: Elastin only accounts for 2% -4% of skin protein, but its elasticity is 1000 times that of collagen. The degradation of elastic fibers can lead to skin sagging, and even with sufficient collagen, it is impossible to avoid “facial collapse”.

Technological breakthrough: The CT50 composite component developed by Huaxi Biotechnology has entered the clinical trial stage by activating the expression of elastin related genes.

3. miR-302b – the “gene switch” that reverses cellular aging

Frontier research: A team from the Henan Academy of Sciences has discovered that miR-302b carried by extracellular vesicles can target aging related genes, extend the lifespan of aged mice by 15%, and restore hair and motor abilities.

Industrialization challenge: The purification cost of extracellular vesicles is high, and they are currently mainly used in the high-end medical aesthetics field. The oral bioavailability still needs to be improved.

4. Probiotics+prebiotics – the “golden combination” for intestinal anti-aging

Mechanism analysis: Imbalance of gut microbiota can trigger “inflammatory aging”, and specific strains (such as Bifidobacterium lactis B420) can reduce visceral fat and lower levels of inflammatory cytokine IL-6.

Innovative application: Xianle Health Anti aging Research Institute is developing sausage coated soft candy and gel tablets containing probiotics to achieve coordinated anti-aging of “gut skin axis”.

5. Plant polyphenols (such as resveratrol and oleuropein) – the “natural catchers” of free radicals

Classic value: Polyphenols can reduce oxidative damage by activating the SIRT1 longevity gene and inhibiting the NF – κ B inflammatory pathway. Research has found that the antioxidant capacity of hydroxytyrosol in extra virgin olive oil is 10 times that of vitamin C.

Technological upgrade: Nano encapsulation technology enhances bioavailability, such as increasing the oral absorption rate of quercetin liposomes by three times.

6. Marine active peptides (such as collagen tripeptides and mussel mucin) – the “molecular craftsmen” of repair systems

Unique advantage: Collagen tripeptides with a molecular weight less than 500Da can be directly absorbed by the small intestine and reach the dermis layer within 48 hours to promote collagen synthesis. Mussel mucin can repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Market trend: The global market size of marine anti-aging raw materials is expected to exceed 5 billion US dollars by 2025, with China becoming the largest supplier of raw materials.

7. NAD+precursors (such as NMN, NR) – the “ultimate fuel” for energy metabolism

Mechanism of action: NAD+is a core coenzyme involved in DNA repair and mitochondrial function, but its level decreases by 90% with age. Supplementing NMN can rejuvenate the mitochondrial function of mouse muscles.

Controversy Focus: In 2023, the FDA halted the sale of NMN as a dietary supplement, but China opened up the market for compliant products through the “Safety Assessment of New Food Ingredients”.

8. Fermentation products of Sphingomonas vaginalis – an “invisible shield” against glycation

Innovative discovery: This fermentation product can inhibit the formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) and repair elastin caused by glycation denaturation. Clinical tests have shown that after 8 weeks of continuous use, skin elasticity increases by 21%.

Industrial application: Used in the design of anti sugar drinks and functional gummies formulas.

9. Phycocyanin – the “blue blood aristocrat” that resists photoaging

Scientific endorsement:blue Spirulina extracted phycocyanin has superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which can clear UV induced free radicals. Experiments have shown that its anti photoaging effect is superior to vitamin E.

Technical difficulty: Poor stability, requiring microencapsulation technology to solve the problem of light degradation.

10. Extracellular vesicles (hESC Exos) – the “information express” of cellular communication

Breakthrough progress: The active ingredients carried by the extracellular vesicles of human embryonic stem cells can restart the proliferation ability of aging cells. In animal experiments, elderly mice showed significant improvements in grip strength and cognitive function after injection.

Ethical controversy: The application of embryonic stem cells requires strict regulation, currently limited to scientific research and high-end medical fields.

03

Three golden rules for the application of anti-aging ingredients

-Synergistic effect enhancement: A single component is difficult to achieve, and a complex system of “antioxidant+anti glycation+promoting regeneration” (such as vitamin C+elastin peptide+probiotics) needs to be constructed.

-Accurate delivery: Breaking through absorption barriers through technologies such as liposomes and nanoparticles, such as curcumin being wrapped in phospholipid complexes, resulting in a 20 fold increase in bioavailability.

-Individualized matching: Genetic testing guides ingredient selection, such as APOE4 gene carriers who need to focus on anti-inflammatory ingredients.

04

Future Trend: The “Five Transformations” Revolution of Anti Aging Foods

1. Function visualization: Quantify the effect through skin elasticity meter, telomere length detection, and other methods.

2. Dosage form snack: The proportion of soft candy, exploding beads, gel tablets and other dosage forms will exceed 40%.

3. Biological synthesis of raw materials: Microbial fermentation produces rare peptides, reducing costs by 90%.

4. Strictness of supervision: China plans to introduce the “Guidelines for Claiming Anti Aging Functional Foods”, strictly prohibiting exaggeration of efficacy.

5. Youthfulness of consumption: The 25-35 age group has become the core customer group for anti-aging foods, and the market size is expected to reach 800 billion yuan by 2025.

Conclusion

Anti-aging is a race between science and time. From the activation of cellular metabolism by uridine to the initiation of aging programs by extracellular vesicles, from the regulation of gut microbiota to the innovation of synthetic biology, this revolution is rewriting the rules of human anti-aging. As consumers, we should embrace innovation while also being wary of concept hype; As practitioners, only by deeply cultivating science and revering ethics can we win a lasting victory in this’ youth defense battle ‘. (Some of the images in the article are sourced from the internet)

references

1. Research on the anti-aging mechanism of uridine in the Chinese Academy of Sciences

2. miR-302b mouse experiment at Henan Academy of Sciences

3. White Paper on Huaxi Biological Elastic Protein Repair Technology

4. Strategic Report of Xianle Health Anti Aging Research Institute

5. Report on China’s Anti Aging Industry from 2025 to 2031