Unveiling the geroprotective potential of Monarda didyma L.: insights from in vitro studies and a randomized clinical trial on slowing biological aging and improving quality of life

Aging is driven by fundamental mechanisms like oxidative stress, telomere shortening and changes in DNA methylation, which together prepare the ground for age-related diseases. Botanical extracts, rich in bioactive phytoconstituents, represent a promising resource for developing therapies that target these mechanisms to promote healthy aging. This study explores the geroprotective potential of Monarda didyma L. extract. In vitro analyses revealed the extract’s strong antioxidant activity, ability to reduce telomere shortening, and capacity to protect against DNA damage, thereby decreasing cellular senescence and improving endothelial function. The randomized, double-blind clinical trial demonstrated that daily oral supplementation with the extract significantly improved leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and stabilized DNA methylation age (DNAmAge) in the intervention group, while the placebo group experienced accelerated epigenetic aging and hypermethylation of critical age-related genes...