New Studies Show Significant Anti-Aging Benefits of Cordyceps

Chinese Mushroom Improves Youthful Genetic Expression

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Oct 12, 2010, 01:16 ET

PROVO, Utah, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- New research from Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) and its research partner LifeGen Technologies reveals specific anti-aging properties of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4), a mushroom traditionally believed to be an anti-aging herb in China. One investigation demonstrates Cs-4's ability to combat age-related changes in gene expression in muscle and brain tissue. Two additional laboratory studies identify Cs-4's positive impact on healthy lifespan due to overall positive benefits on energy metabolism, fatigue and endurance, as identified in previous studies.

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"We're making great breakthroughs in gene expression science that have application in the fields of health and longevity," said Joe Chang, Ph.D., Nu Skin chief scientific officer and executive vice president of product development. "These studies with our research partner LifeGen Technologies help validate the critical role gene expression modulation plays in the aging process. We believe that the future of anti-aging is in developing consumer solutions that support youthful gene expression.

"Because one of the earliest manifestations of human aging is a decline in vitality that begins as early as 30 years of age, we are targeting youth gene clusters that affect cellular mitochondria – the energy factories of the cells. Ingredients such as Cordyceps are shown to reset these genes to behave in a more youthful expression pattern," continued Chang.

Steve Wood, Ph.D., R.D., director of global research for Nu Skin's nutritional supplement brand, Pharmanex, presented research generated through Nu Skin's partnership with LifeGen Technologies at the Biology of Aging Gordon Research Conference in Les Diablerets, Switzerland in August. The research reported effects of Cs-4 supplementation on the expression of genes in mice related to mitochondrial aging in skeletal muscle and brain tissue. Key conclusions presented at the conference include:

The identification of age-associated nuclear gene expression related to mitochondria in muscle and brain tissue;
Cs-4 opposed the age-related changes of expression in several of those genes; and
Cs-4 opposed the effects of aging in multiple biochemical pathways (identified with gene ontology pathway analysis).

Angela Mastaloudis, Ph.D., senior scientist for Nu Skin's nutritional supplement brand, Pharmanex, presented two studies at the elite Oxygen Club of California 2010 World Congress and received the prestigious DSM Nutraceutical Research Award. Josh Zhu, Ph.D., M.D., senior director for Pharmanex research and development at Nu Skin, was the lead scientist on the research. Conclusions of the three-year lifespan and antioxidant laboratory studies found that:

Cs-4 extended the maximal and average lifespan of the population studied; and
Cs-4 supplementation significantly improved antioxidant protection and reduced oxidative damage caused by an oxidative stressor.

About LifeGen Technologies

The mission of LifeGen Technologies is to discover the genetic basis of the aging process with the ultimate goal of increasing a healthy life span. LifeGen was co-founded in 2000 by two leaders in the fields of genetics and aging, Tomas A. Prolla, Ph.D., professor, Department of Genetics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Richard Weindruch, Ph.D., professor of geriatrics and gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Drs. Prolla and Weindruch were the first scientists to use DNA microarrays ("gene chips") to measure gene activity in mammalian tissues and LifeGen has a patent for the use of "gene expression profiling" as a method to measure the progression of the aging process at the molecular level in individual organs. Their groundbreaking work led to the publication of the seminal Science article, "Gene Expression Profile of Aging and Its Retardation by Caloric Restriction," published in 1999. More information is available at http://www.lifegentech.com.

About Nu Skin Enterprises

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. demonstrates its tradition of innovation through its comprehensive anti-aging product portfolio, independent business opportunity and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Nu Skin's scientific leadership in both skin care and nutrition has established Nu Skin as a premier anti-aging company, evidenced in its unique ageLOC™ science that addresses the sources of aging. The company's anti-aging products feature the new ageLOC family of skin care products including ageLOC Future Serum and the ageLOC Edition Galvanic Spa® System II, as well as Tru Face® Essence Ultra and LifePak® Nano. A global direct selling company, Nu Skin operates in 50 markets worldwide and has more than 785,000 independent sales representatives. Nu Skin is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NUS." More information is available at http://www.nuskin.com.

Please note: This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the company's results of operation and strategy. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties discussed in company filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from expected results. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE Nu Skin Enterprises