Graceful Ageing II

Graceful Ageing II: A Botanical Strategy for Vision Support, Neurovascular Balance, and Anti-Ageing

Graceful Ageing II is an evolved botanical formula derived from the classical Rehmannia Six Formula. While the original was designed to support age-related degeneration primarily through kidney and adrenal endocrine support, this modern variant is restructured to target neurovascular stability, visual health, and metabolic ageing, with a special emphasis on conditions associated with oxidative stress, hypertension, and neuroinflammation.

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It contains a synergistic blend of 9 botanicals with bioactive properties that address common age-related disorders such as:

• Chronic eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration, optic atrophy)

• Cognitive fatigue, mild memory loss, and stress sensitivity

• Hypertension, migraines, and dizziness associated with autonomic dysregulation

• Degenerative conditions linked to oxidative damage and hormonal decline

🧪 Mechanistic Overview of Botanical Ingredients

🟣 Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang)

• Function: Rich in iridoid glycosides, it exhibits neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and hematopoietic effects.

• Clinical Relevance: Used to address fatigue, anemia, and cognitive decline in ageing populations.

• Evidence: Animal studies suggest enhanced erythropoiesis and modulation of HPA-axis function.

🌰 Dioscorea oppositifolia (Huai Shan Yao)

• Function: Contains steroidal saponins and polysaccharides with endocrine-regulating and gut-restorative properties.

• Clinical Relevance: Helps improve glucose metabolism, gut-brain axis health, and fatigue resistance.

• Evidence: Shows mild phytoestrogenic activity and benefits in managing metabolic syndrome and menopausal symptoms.

🍒 Cornus officinalis (Shan Zhu Yu)

• Function: Contains iridoid glycosides with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic actions.

• Clinical Relevance: Supports vascular integrity, endocrine stability, and tissue regeneration.

• Evidence: Demonstrated renal protection and angiotensin modulation in preclinical studies.

🍄 Poria cocos (Fu Ling)

• Function: A mycoadaptogen with diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties.

• Clinical Relevance: Used to manage fluid retention, mild hypertension, and neuroinflammation.

• Evidence: Beta-glucans and triterpenes contribute to immune modulation and gut barrier repair.

💧 Alisma plantago-aquatica (Ze Xie)

• Function: Aquatic rhizome with potent diuretic, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Clinical Relevance: Assists in reducing vascular inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and edema.

• Evidence: Animal studies demonstrate hepatic protection, diuretic effects, and anti-hypertensive action.

🌳 Paeonia suffruticosa (Mu Dan Pi)

• Function: Rich in paeonol and paeoniflorin; exhibits anti-platelet, vasodilatory, and antioxidant effects.

• Clinical Relevance: Relevant in managing vascular aging, migraine, and neurovascular tension.

• Evidence: Research shows neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia and endothelial relaxation.

🌿 Lycium barbarum (Gou Qi Zi / Goji Berry)

• Function: A nutrient-dense fruit rich in zeaxanthin, polysaccharides, and flavonoids.

• Clinical Relevance: Protects against retinal oxidative damage, improves white blood cell function, and supports glucose regulation.

• Evidence:

  • Enhances retinal pigment epithelial health

  • Improves macrophage and NK-cell activity

  • Lowers blood glucose and lipids

  • Prevents oxidative liver injury

📚 Ref: Amagase H, Nance DM. "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of standardized Lycium barbarum juice."

🌼 Chrysanthemum sinense (Ju Hua)

• Function: Contains apigenin, luteolin, and chlorogenic acid; exerts vasoprotective, antioxidant, and light-filtering effects.

• Clinical Relevance: Commonly used in formulas for photophobia, chronic headaches, and mild glaucoma.

• Evidence:

  • Demonstrated reduction in intraocular pressure

  • Exerts mild antibacterial and antiviral effects

  • Enhances cerebral circulation

  • Supports retinal oxygenation

📚 Ref: Wang X et al. "Pharmacological actions of Chrysanthemum morifolium extract on cardiovascular and visual systems."