Geroprotection through modulation of heart rate variability, oxidative enzymes, tissue integrity, and gene expression by an Ayurvedic herbal formulation, Amalaki Rasayana

Background: Aging is a multifactorial process involving cumulative cellular and organ deterioration, largely due to oxidative stress and disrupted homeostasis. These changes lead to increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. Amalaki Rasayana (AR), an ayurvedic formulation from the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica, is traditionally valued for its geroprotective, rejuvenating effects and preventive healthcare. Objective: This study scientifically evaluates AR's impact on physiological, biochemical, and molecular markers of aging and functional decline in a rodent model. Methods: Thirty-six, 10 months old, male Fischer rats, (n = 6) were randomized into normal control (NC) and Amalaki Rasayana (AR) -treated groups, and evaluated at the end of 18, 24, and 30 months of age. Comprehensive assessments including, electrocardiography, histopathology, biochemical assays, and molecular analyses were conducted to evaluate cardiac, renal, hepatic, and neural tissue health. Oxidative stress was quantified by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. Tp53 and p21 gene expressions were quantified by qPCR and bioinformatics. Results: Our results demonstrated pronounced age-associated degenerative changes such as neuronal loss, myocardial fibrosis, renal tubule dilation and glomerular fragmentation in NC rats. In contrast, AR-supplementation maintained heart rate variability, preserved antioxidants superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and mitigated tissue degeneration across multiple organs. AR modulated the expression of Tp53 and p21 in cardiac and neural tissues, suggesting a role in cellular stress response and longevity pathways. Conclusion: Amalaki Rasayana demonstrated potent antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in aging rats, supporting its potential as an adjuvant for healthy aging. These findings highlight AR's promise in attenuating oxidative damage and modulating gene expression, warranting further translational research.