Call Us:    0800 093 5190      + 44 1789 414301

Back to Science

Recent research findings have shed light on a mechanism that confirms the potential to increase length of life.

Initial work has examined the biological effects of Enzogenol, a complex mix of compounds extracted from the bark of Pinus radiata trees. Previous studies had found that Enzogenol supplementation had significantly increased length and quality of life in mice.

Dr Mathais Frevel of Hort Research said its research was aimed at achieving a better understanding of how this powerful antioxidant mix works. A key area of interest for them was the effect of Enzogenol on DNA.

“In a human clinical study it had been found that Enzogenol substantially reduced markers of oxidative damage to DNA and we wanted to look particularly at the DNA effects in more depth,” said Dr Frevel.


“In this study we have been following the effects of Enzogenol supplementation in aged Sprague Dawley rats. One of the areas of DNA we have been monitoring is the end part of DNA strands, known as telomeres, and the results have been very exciting.”

“We have found that animals supplemented with Enzogenol maintain greater telomere length in their blood leukocytes over time than animals that have not been supplemented. A group of animals on vitamin C supplementation did not show this effect.”


Telomere shortening is one of the critical factors that have been identified in the ageing process. They play an important role when cells divide. Each time most cells divide, the telomere length reduces; forming a natural boundary to how many times division can occur. This becomes a life-limiting factor for the aged when they need to replace damaged cells. It prevents the body from being able to repair itself.

Jon Scothern, the Managing Director of Enzo Nutraceuticals Europe, said Enzo and Hort Research, would study this further to try to understand what is happening and validate the initial findings.

“We have seen a tremendous range of different positive effects with Enzogenol, and this appears to be a key area to understanding how it produces anti-ageing and long-term health promoting benefits.”

A key question is whether the lifespan extension in mice and telomere protection observed in rats, will also apply to humans. So far the evidence looks very very promising.