Longevity Practices: a Holistic Approach

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Chinese Medical Perspectives on Longevity: Bridging Ancient Insights on Lifespan and Healthspan with Modern Research into IL-11

Christian Saint-Pierre & Julie Saint-Pierre

Abstract

This article examines Chinese medical perspectives on longevity through the lens of jīng, the vital essence central to health and ageing, and connects these ancient insights with emerging biomedical research on interleukin-11 (IL-11). Jīng, a foundational concept in Chinese medicine, is viewed as the source of life’s vitality, governing growth, reproduction and the ageing process. Recent studies identify IL-11 as a biomolecular factor linked to age-related disease and degeneration, suggesting that elevated IL-11 contributes to senescence, fibrosis and chronic illness in mature adults. By correlating IL-11’s biological roles with the functions of jīng, this article proposes that manageing IL-11 levels could enhance both healthspan and lifespan. Traditional Chinese health practices – such as dietary therapy, acupuncture, qìgōng, tàijíquán and botanical supplementation – are explored for their potential to inhibit IL-11 activity, thereby preserving jīng and mitigating age-related decline. The article ultimately advocates for an integrative model, in which modern biomedical findings on IL-11 enhance the practice of Chinese medicine to offer more comprehensive longevity strategies.

Keywords

Jing, essence, longevity, Chinese medicine, interleukin-11, IL-11, acupuncture, herbal medicine, Yang Sheng, healthspan, lifespan

‘When life begins, we are tender and weak. When life ends, we are stiff and rigid. All things, including the grass and trees, are soft and pliable in life, dry and brittle in death. So the soft and supple are the companions of life, while the stiff and unyielding are the companions of death.’ 

Dàodéjīng (道德经, The Classic of the Virtue of the Tao), verse 7674

Introduction

Longevity, encompassing both lifespan and healthspan, is a central concern in Chinese medicine, which offers a holistic framework rooted in harmony, balance and the preservation of vitality. At the heart of this framework is the concept of jīng (精), often described as the ‘vital essence’ that underpins growth, reproduction and the ageing process. This article examines how traditional insights into jīng align with modern biomedical research, particularly on interleukin-11 (IL-11), a cytokine implicated in age-related degeneration and chronic diseases.

While jīng represents the foundation of vitality in Chinese medicine, modern science has identified IL-11 as a biomolecular driver of processes such as fibrosis, sclerosis and cellular ageing. This dual perspective allows for a fascinating integration: ancient practices aimed at preserving jīng – including diet, acupuncture, qìgōng, and botanical supplementation – may also serve to regulate IL-11 activity. This article explores how manageing IL-11 levels through both traditional and emerging approaches can enhance healthspan and lifespan, offering a synergistic model that bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary science in the pursuit of longevity.

The concept of jīng

Jīng is considered the most fundamental substance of life. As the basis for all the physiological functions and structures in the body, jīng is responsible for growth, development, repair, reproduction and overall vitality. It is considered finite and is said to be stored in the Kidney system, acting as a reservoir of energy that gives and sustains life. When depleted, illness and death occur.

The functions of jīng, its fundamental importance and the effects of its depletion are discussed at length in classical medical texts such as the Huángdì Nèijīng Sùwèn (黄帝内经素問, Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic of Simple Questions) and its commentaries. Chapter one, in describing the relationship between jīng, longevity and lifestyle, states: 

The people of high antiquity, those who knew the way … their lifespan exceeded one hundred years before they departed. The fact that people today are different is because … (through their desires) they exhaust their jīng … hence, it is [only] one half of a hundred [years] and they weaken.’70

The chapter goes on to describe the natural ageing process of the ‘people today’, including a late stage phase of ageing for men, which explains: 

With seven times eight (56 years), the qi in the liver weakens; the sinews can no longer move. The heaven guǐ is exhausted {the [remaining] jīng is diminished} the kidney depot is weak and the physical body is completely exhausted.’71

The Tang dynasty scholar, Wáng Bīng, commenting on the discussion regarding longevity and its relationship to lifestyle, concludes: 

If one follows the way in all honesty and if, therefore, the essence is kept inside, no evil qi is able to cause harm.72

The Nèijīng therefore identifies jīng as a vital internal substance which can confer health and long life if preserved; however once jīng is exhausted, individuals become susceptible to illness, functional decline and a shortened lifespan.

Functions of jīng

Jīng plays several vital roles in maintaining health and well-being (see Table 1).

Functions of jīng
Reproductionjīng is intimately connected with reproductive health. In both men and women, jīng is responsible for fertility and the ability to conceive. Weak jīng leads to infertility75,76
Growthjīng governs the processes of growth, development, and maturation. A strong jīng manifests in a healthy, well-developed body and mind, while deficiencies can lead to deformities and premature ageing76
AgeingThe state of one’s jīng directly influences the ageing process. A robust jīng can reliably and efficiently repair damage caused by illness or injury, thereby slowing ageing and maintaining healthspan. Depletion of jīng leads to signs of ageing, such as a decline in mental and physical capacities, chronic illnesses, and age related diseases70,76

Table 1: Functions of jīng

Jīng determines both our lifespan and healthspan. When jīng is weak, fertility and growth are disturbed, healthspan decreases and lifespan is shortened. When jīng is strong, individuals not only live longer but also enjoy more years of fertility and good health, which is why it is associated with longevity.

Interleukin-11: a biomolecular component of jīng?

Chinese medicine, with its holistic view of the body and its emphasis on recovery, balance and prevention, offers valuable insights into health and wellness. However, it can be beneficial to adopt new medical discoveries and integrate the advances of modern medicine when appropriate. In the context of longevity, adapting the results of clinical trials and molecular studies to the Chinese medical paradigm allows us to potentially improve our understanding of jīng and develop new therapeutic strategies that bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary science. In December of 2023, a research paper published in Biochemical Journal provided insights into the essential role that IL-11 played in almost every age-related and degenerative illness, including cancer1.

Interleukin-11 is a fibrogenic (fibrous tissue producing) molecule, called a cytokine, which is produced by the body. In fertility and childhood, IL-11 plays a vital role in growth and development, but in mature adults, its fibrogenic properties become detrimental; it triggers sclerosis (hardening), fibrosis (scarring), and senescence (functional decline of tissues and organs)1. Interleukin-11 production increases consistently and at an accelerated rate as humans age, spiking sharply in conditions of inflammation, stress, injury, cell damage, infection and disease. IL-11 triggers significant health issues in mature adults when levels remain high for long periods of time.

The effect of elevated IL-11 levels is of interest when we compare it to further commentaries of the Nèijīng. Scholar Hú TiānXióng, in his commentary on Chapter 43, states: 

When the jīng Qì of the five depots (viscera) wastes away and perishes, evil Qì takes advantage of this depletion and enters (the five depots). Hence, this results in blocks in the five depots.73

Depletion of jīng, therefore, not only brings exhaustion and functional decline – characteristic of senescence – but also causes blockage in the organs and tissues, which is characteristic of biomedical conditions such as fibrosis and sclerosis.

The detrimental effects of interleukin-11

Although IL-11 has a proven critical role in many diseases, its role varies depending on whether or not the disease is one of fertility, childhood development or longevity (see Table 2).

The detrimental role of IL-11 in fertility
Male infertilityLow levels of IL-11 increase sperm deformation and decrease sperm motility3. High Levels of IL-11 cause testicular fibrosis and reduce semen output60.
Female infertilityLow levels of IL-11 increase the incidence of implantation failure and placental development4. High Levels of IL-11 cause polycystic ovarian syndrome61.
The detrimental role of IL-11 in childhood development
PrenatalLow levels of IL-11 increase the risks of structural deformity5.
PostnatalLow levels of IL-11 increase the risks of developmental malformation5.
The detrimental role of IL-11 in longevity
Generalised functional declineIL-11 is elevated in old age, with high IL-11 blood levels being observed in the very old. IL-11 causes sarcopenia, metabolic dysfunction and frailty, and is associated with diseases of ageing such as osteoarthritis. IL-11 also directly stimulates senescence in cells, leading to age-related functional decline1.
Heart diseaseIncreased circulating levels of IL-11 are associated with chronic heart failure. IL-11 causes cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction, and atrial fibrosis. It sensitises the atrium to fibrillation1,6.
Liver diseaseLiver regeneration is inhibited by raised levels of IL-11. Acute liver damage causes IL-11 secretion in the liver which perpetuates sclerosis and fibrosis1,7.
Lung diseaseRaised IL-11 levels causes lung cell senescence and disrupts alveolar cell repair functions. IL-11 plays an important role in lung fibrosis and contributes to lung fibrosis in patients with Covid1,8.
Kidney diseaseIL-11 levels become elevated in the kidney in response to various injuries that include diabetes, hypertension, ischaemia, toxins, infections and kidney obstructions. In addition, urinary IL-11 levels are increased in patients with nephritis and IL-11 levels are high in the kidneys of patients with end stage renal failure1,9.
Vascular diseaseIL-11 is increased in the arterial wall in response to damage, causing vascular fibrosis. IL-11 also causes vascular fibrosis of the pulmonary vasculature in the context of pulmonary hypertension and senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells in the context of ageing1,10.
Multiple sclerosisIL-11 is increased in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with early stage MS symptoms and also in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Blood levels of IL-11 increased further during periods of clinical deterioration1,11.
Systemic sclerosisIL-11 is the most abundant cytokine in patients with sclerotic lung disease. IL-11 is also one the the most abundant molecules in sclerotic skin conditions1,12.
Rheumatoid arthritisIL-11 levels, while increased in the synovial membranes, synovial fluid, and blood of patients with RA in general, are specifically elevated in patients with active RA symptoms1,13.
Inflammatory bowel diseasein patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, IL-11 is highly elevated in the colonic mucosal membranes, causing scarring and senescence1,14.
Osteo-arthritisIL-11 is increased 4-fold in subchondral bone and 22-fold in articular bone in patients with OA. The known disease-causing effects of IL-11, including fibrosis and inhibition of endogenous regeneration, point to IL-11 as a major component of osteoarthritis1,15.
Abnormal wound healingSignificantly elevated IL-11 levels have been found in patients who develop hypertrophic (thick) scars after injury or surgery1,16.
CancerThe role of heightened IL-11 in gastric, breast, lung and colonic cancers has been confirmed by many studies. In cancers, IL-11 has effects within cancer cells as well as on the cross-talk between cells. In the absence of IL-11, the tumour stroma collapses, as does the cancer1,17.

Table 2: The detrimental role of IL-11 in human health

Although IL-11’s role in gamete fertility and childhood development is different to its role in ageing, IL-11’s pivotal role in all three health categories correlates strongly to the quality of jīng and its functions as described by Chinese medicine. Since robust jīng is said to allow for healthy growth, reproduction, efficient healing and slowing of the ageing process, IL-11 levels that are high in childhood and fertilisation but low or absent in adulthood correspond to a strong, sustained jīng1,13,76. Similarly, low levels of IL-11 in childhood and fertilisation, and high levels of IL-11 in mature adults correspond to damaged, weakened jīng1,13,76. Therefore, in the context of ageing, minimising IL-11 levels in adulthood is a reasonable goal to include in a holistic medical strategy of maximising jīng and longevity.

The ‘SuperModel Granny Drug’

On July 17th, 2024, a paper came out in the journal Nature in which researchers described how they were able to increase both the lifespan and healthspan of mice by 20 to 25 per cent through the outright inhibition of IL-11, with the potential for even greater extension of both2. By injecting 75 week old mice (equivalent to 58 year old humans) with X203 (an IL-11 antibody) for 25 weeks, researchers were able to improve, restore and rejuvenate their physiology. Muscle mass improved, metabolism improved, white adipose tissue diminished, nerve function and cognition improved, and there was improved organ function across the board. At the end of treatment, the mice had biomarkers equivalent to or even better than they had at the start of the study, including ample, lustrous, shiny fur2. This prompted the research team to call their IL-11 inhibitor the ‘Supermodel Granny Drug’. At the very end of the study, researchers found that the mice that had received the IL-11 inhibitor had significantly extended lifespans and healthspans. Whereas the control group lived to an average of 121 weeks (94 year equivalent), the anti-IL-11 treated mice lived to an average of 155.6 weeks (121 year equivalent). Furthermore, in the control group, 61 per cent of the mice had tumours at the time of their death, while in the anti-IL11 treated group, only 16 per cent of mice had tumours2. Overall, the research demonstrated the pivotal role of elevated IL-11 in major disease categories and age-related system wide degeneration, as well as its complete inhibition seemingly causing no detrimental side effects in mature mammals1,2, thus enhancing its usefulness as a target in therapies designed to extend longevity.

Assessing the role of Chinese medical longevity practices on IL-11

The IL-11-inhibiting drug that the researchers used in the Nature article is not yet suitable for human use. It may be decades before a drug approved for human use becomes available, and it will probably be very costly. However, Chinese medicine’s diverse and holistic longevity practices encompass a wide range of accessible approaches and disciplines aimed at preserving jīng, improving healthspan and maximising lifespan. Armed with the knowledge of IL-11’s role in lifespan and healthspan degeneration, and its strong correlation to jīng, it is worth examining the traditional Chinese medical longevity practices of jīng preservation to see whether or not they may have an impact on IL-11 levels. In order to do so, we must first examine the factors that increase IL-11.

Known Factors that Increase Levels of IL-11
AgeingIL-11 levels increase consistently and at an accelerated rate with age1.
Inflammationboth acute and Chronic inflammation trigger elevated IL-11 production21.
InjuryIL-11 levels increase when cells are mechanically damaged, such as a broken bone, a bruise, or a cut1,16.
InfectionBacterial and viral infections both stimulate the production of IL-11 through various mechanisms, including cell damage1,18.
Chronic TensionChronic muscle tension applies mechanical stress to the skeletal bone, which stimulates IL-11 production19.
StressHeightened levels of cortisol contribute to the production of IL-1120.
Diet & lifestyleUnhealthy diets that cause inflammation and increase the risks of systemic diseases promote the production of IL-1122. Certain specific substances, such as alcohol23, iron supplements29 and cigarette smoke21 have also been found to increase IL-11 levels.

Table 3: Known factors that increase levels of IL-11

Traditional jīng-centric practices that enhance lifespan and healthspan

Strategies intended to minimise the loss of jīng can be divided into two categories: preventative lifestyle strategies and medical strategies. By comparing these practices to the IL-11 producing factors outlined above, we can begin to assess the effect of jīng retention strategies on IL-11 levels and possibly identify new strategies.   

Yǎngshēngfǎ: preventative lifestyle strategies

Preventative lifestyle strategies, known as yǎngshēngfǎ (养生法, life nourishing methods), feature prominently in Chinese medicine. They encompass a diverse group of practices that are meant to be followed and adhered to by the individual in order to protect their healthspan and lifespan.

Lifestyle Strategies for Longevity
DietaryChinese medicine views a balanced, seasonal diet rich in nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds as essential for supporting longevity.30 Alcohol, highly refined foods and foods that are nutrient poor can cause various illnesses, such as inflammation, diabetes or obesity31 which are known to contribute to increased IL-11 production (see Table 3) and therefore likely depletion of jīng, shortening healthspan and lifespan.
Qìgōng & tàijíquánThese are specific forms of meditative movement and exercise proven to relax, cultivate and balance the body and mind. Regular practice of tàijíquán and qìgōng releases chronic tension34,35, which is known to increase IL-11 (see Table 3). Tàijíquán exercise improves balance32 and therefore significantly reduces the risk of IL-11 production from injuries due to falling (table 3). Both qìgōng and tàijíquán exercises reduce stress33,34, which is known to increase IL-11 production (table 3).
Breathing techniquesProper breathing is a central jīng preservation practice, with various techniques designed to enhance health and vitality. Deep breathing reduces stress36 and inflammation37, which both increase IL-11 (see Table 3).
Rest & sleepAdequate rest and sleep are crucial for preserving jīng. Research has shown that sleep deprivation and overwork increase inflammation38, stress39, and exhaustion. These lead to a loss of concentration39, a heightened risk of accidental injury39, and a weakened immune system that increases the risk of infection40. All of these effects can increase IL-11 levels (see table 3), accelerating the ageing process and shortening the body’s healthspan.
MeditationMeditation and relaxation help to relieve and prevent stress41 and reduce inflammation42, factors known to increase IL-11 levels (see table 3).
Preventive medical careImmunisations protect against viral infections that promote IL-11 production (see Table 3). Preventative acupuncture or massage treatments can prevent the buildup of chronic tension43,44 and inflammation45, relieve stress46, and aid with sleep47. Acupuncture can thereby prevent the production of IL-11 from certain variables (Table 3), thereby contributing to the delay of the onset of chronic conditions and thus extending healthspan and lifespan.

Table 4: Lifestyle strategies for longevity

Interventional medical strategies

Occasionally, preventative practices are not enough to avoid external illness or injury. In cases where injury or illness occur, it is important to medically tend to the condition immediately. Seeking medical care as soon as possible for a sudden illness or injury ensures that the medical problem, with its associated IL-11 producing variables such as stress and inflammation, will be as brief as possible. This ensures that IL-11 levels will increase as little as possible and have as minimal an impact on jīng, healthspan and lifespan as possible. For those already living with chronic disease, effective management is key. This includes adherence to treatment plans, regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments to minimise the impact of these conditions on daily life and on levels of IL-11.

Chinese Medical Strategies for Longevity
Dietary therapyIncreasing or decreasing certain types of foods during acute illness or injury can speed up and enhance the recovery process48, thereby minimizing the buildup of IL-11 and its detrimental effect on jīng (see table 3). In cases of chronic degenerative diseases, dietary therapy can prevent disease worsening and aid in symptom reduction49, thereby slowing the progress of IL-11 production (Table 3).
Movement therapyFollowing a specific exercise regimen can improve an injury’s recovery time and recovery outcomes50, thus keeping IL-11 levels as low as possible (see table 3). Some acute and chronic illnesses also benefit from exercises patterns which alleviate symptoms such as stress, tension and inflammation51, thus helping to reduce IL-11 buildup (Table 3) and minimising long-term damage to jīng, healthspan and lifespan.
Acupuncture & herbal medicineAcupuncture treatments and herbal formulas in Chinese medicine can be used to treat injuries52, inflammation45,53,56, infections54,55,56, and internal diseases57, thereby minimizing the production of Il-11 caused by medical conditions (see table 3) and therefore protecting jīng by recovering and maintaining proper function of the body as quickly as possible.

Table 5: Medical strategies for longevity

Overall, by viewing the Chinese medical longevity practices through the lens of their impact on IL-11 production, it becomes apparent that the practices all contribute to reducing lifestyle and disease variables which promote increased levels of IL-11. Based on the ability of these practices to minimise the production of IL-11 alone, it appears that individuals who adhere to the longevity practices of Chinese medicine will experience a longer lifespan and healthspan than individuals who do not. That said, none of the recommended practices address the consistent increase of IL-11 with age. The goal, then, is to find ways that the age-related increase in IL-11 production can be inhibited within the scope of practice of Chinese medicine.

Securing jīng by inhibiting IL-11 through botanical supplements

Wàidān (外丹, external alchemy) is an ancient Chinese practice aimed at achieving longevity and immortality through the consumption of elixirs made from herbs, minerals and metals. The practice was rooted in the belief that ingesting these substances could extend life, enhance vitality, and even grant eternal life. However, the practice was fraught with dangers, as exemplified by the case of Emperor Qín Shǐ Huáng, who sought eternal life through cinnabar-based elixirs, only to die prematurely from mercury poisoning69. Despite its risks, the underlying goal of wàidān – to preserve life by fortifying jīng through external supplementation – has remained central to Chinese medicine, though it has evolved to focus on yǎngshēngfǎ and the ingestion of safer substances. In this spirit, the contemporary exploration of botanical supplements through the lens of IL-11 inhibition represents a unique and previously unexplored extension of the wàidān philosophy, offering a novel way to protect jīng and promote both healthspan and lifespan.

The natural compounds listed in Table 6 are emerging as powerful inhibitors of IL-11. Some are found primarily in herbs, whilst others are also abundant in certain foods. Examining the main herbal sources of each compound through a Chinese medical therapeutic lens can provide insights into whether or not the IL-11 inhibiting effects of the compounds were noticed in antiquity. However, regardless of their traditional usage, the herbs and foods listed below contain compounds that definitively inhibit IL-11 and can therefore be considered to enhance jīng and slow the ageing process.

Compounds that inhibit IL-11
Botanical compoundEffectChinese herbal & food sourcesPotential IL-11 inhibiting recognition in traditional therapeutic descriptions58,59
Lutein (non vitamin A carotenoid)inhibits IL-11 expression24Jī Xuě Cǎo (積雪草, Centella Herba) Jué Míng Zǐ (決明子, Cassia Semen)Jī Xuě Cǎo enters the Kidney channel among others Jué Míng Zǐ  enters the Kidney channel among others and nourishes Kidney yīn
Both herbs are cold and enter the Kidney channel, which is strongly associated with jīng. Jué Míng Zǐ nourishes Kidney yīn, suggesting a restorative effect on the structural aspects of the body.
Osthole (coumarin)downregulates IL-1125Dú Húo (独活, Angelica Pubescentis Radix) Shé Chuáng Zǐ (蛇床子, Cnidii Fructus) Huā Jiāo (花椒, ZanthoXyli Pericarpium)Dú Húo enters the Kidney channel and Bladder channel, treats painful obstruction and dispels lurking wind in the Kidney channel Shé Chuáng Zǐ enters the Kidney channel and strongly warms the Kidney yáng. It is used to treat infertility due to Kidney deficiency. Huā Jiāo enters the Kidney channel, amongst others. It tonifies fire at the gate of vitality.
All three herbs are warm or hot and enter the Kidney channel, which is strongly associated with jīng. Dú Húo treats painful obstruction, possibly due to fibrosis; Shé Chuáng Zǐ strongly warms the Kidney yáng, suggesting a restorative effect on the functional aspects of the body. It also treats infertility, suggesting an effect on non-gamete infertility due to elevated IL-11 levels; Huā Jiāo tonifies fire at the gate of vitality, a concept strongly connected to jīng’s involvement in preventing senescence.
Micheliolide (sesqui terpene lactone)Inhibits IL-11 signaling26Mù Xiāng (木香, Costus root)Mù Xiāng enters the triple burner channel, among others. It promotes qì flow, stops pain, strengthens the spleen. It is used to treat painful stagnation, including lung stagnation, spleen & liver stagnation, and large intestine and bladder stagnation.
This herb is warm and enters the triple burner channel, which is moderately associated with jīng. It treats stagnation, possibly due to sclerosis.
Omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FA, poly unsaturated fatty acid)inhibits IL-11 signaling27Abundant in fish, especially mackerel, salmon, herring and sardine.Mackerel tonifies qì. Salmon augments the qì and blood. Herring benefits conditions of dryness. Sardine enters the Kidney channel, among others and augments qì, yáng and blood, and supplements the Kidneys62.
OM3FAs are most abundant in sardine. Sardine is neutral and enters the Kidney channel, which is strongly associated with jīng. It supplements qì, yáng and blood, suggesting effects on both physiological structure and function. It also supplements the Kidneys, which is strongly associated with jīng.
Allicin (organo sulfur compound)inhibits IL-11 signaling28Dà Suàn (大蒜, Garlic Bulb)Dà Suàn unblocks accumulations, dispels cold dampness and promotes qì movement.
Dà Suàn is warm. Its ability to unblock accumulations and dispel cold dampness suggest an ability to treat fibrosis.

Table 6: Botanical compounds that inhibit IL-11

These botanical compounds mark an exciting development in Chinese medical longevity cultivation. By specifically targeting IL-11, these natural substances offer a safe, innovative extension of the wàidān tradition, presenting a practical, scientifically-backed strategy for enhancing jīng, prolonging healthspan, and mitigating the effects of ageing.

Discussion

In exploring the overlap between Chinese medical approaches to longevity and contemporary insights into interleukin-11 (IL-11), this analysis illuminates how traditional practices aimed at preserving jīng align with the modern discovery of IL-11’s detrimental effects. While both yǎngshēngfǎ and Chinese medical interventions can reduce the sclerotic and fibrogenic effects of IL-11 related to unhealthy lifestyles, accidents and diseases, they unfortunately do not address the heightened increase of IL-11 production that is associated with ageing. However, adopting a wàidān approach to IL-11 inhibition allows us to overcome this difficulty.

Contemporary wàidān longevity practices designed to inhibit IL-11 resemble a supplementation regimen. The daily combined administration of compounds such as lutein, osthole and omega-3 fatty acids in doses that are both safe and therapeutically appropriate allows us to expand and refine the longevity practices of wàidān. By inhibiting IL-11, these compounds can work synergistically toward protecting jīng by reducing sclerosis, fibrosis, and other age-related degenerative processes attributed to IL-11. Furthermore, their routine consumption aligns with the idea of maintaining healthspan as an ongoing practice rather than as an intervention for acute conditions. In this way, the daily use of IL-11 inhibitors complements the preventative, holistic nature of Chinese medicine, which emphasises consistent prevention and care over time to cultivate longevity.

Traditional literature58,59 on some of the herbs listed in Table 6 warns against long-term usage due to their toxicity. While we could find no definitive toxicity profiles for the herbs listed in table 6, and while future research may discover therapeutically appropriate concentrations of these or other as yet undiscovered IL-11 inhibiting compounds in herbs that are safe for long term usage, the toxicity profiles and recommended therapeutically effective doses of the botanical compounds listed in Table 6 do exist. This is fortuitous, since the thrust of this article is to advocate for the daily supplementation of these compounds, not necessarily the herbs themselves.

Toxicity Profiles and Recommended Effective Daily Dosages
Botanical compound Single dose 50% lethalityShort term toxicitySubchronic toxicityRecommended daily therapeutic dose
Lutein [62]No mortality at 4g/kgNo pathological changes after 400mg/kg daily for 4 weeksNo pathological changes after 400mg/kg daily for 13 weeks6-20mg/day [63]
Osthole [64]710mg/kgN/APathological changes in Liver and Kidneys at 25mg/kg daily after 45 daysMaximum 4mg/kg/day
OM3FA [65]N/AN/ANo reports of serious symptoms at 3g/day2-3g/day
Micheliolide [68]N/AN/ANo pathological changes after 25mg/kg daily for 8 weeks3-5mg/day
Allicin [67]20mg/kgPathological toxicity observed at 3mg/kg daily after 10 daysN/A1-5mg/day
Garlic extract [66]N/AN/APathological changes in liver, heart and kidneys at 400mg/kg daily after 38 daysMaximum 250-350mg/kg/day

Table 7: Toxicity profiles and recommended dosages

By acquiring and applying refined extracts of the above botanicals at the recommended daily  therapeutic dosages, we can both benefit from their effects whilst eliminating much of the risk associated with the herbs that contain them. Although experienced herbologists will likely be capable of developing safe yet therapeutically effective combinations of IL-11 inhibiting herbs that can be administered as daily supplements, refined extracts have the advantage of precisely calculable dosage, overcoming one of the challenges that raw herbs face with regards to safe consumption, since botanical compound concentrations in raw herbs can vary widely, even from plant to plant. Moreover, the raw herbs listed in Table 6 contain multiple other compounds whose toxicity profiles may also render the herb challenging for long term consumption.

Nevertheless, even with knowledge of safe, long-term dosage, the suitability of these IL-11-inhibiting compounds varies according to individual needs. Chinese medicine recognises that each individual possesses a unique constitution, influenced by factors such as age, health status and environmental conditions. For instance, individuals with weak Kidney yáng or cold patterns may benefit from higher doses of warming herbs, whilst individuals exhibiting signs of heat or weak Kidney yīn may benefit from higher doses of cooling herbs. Although the botanical compounds themselves have no Chinese medical classification with regards to yīn, yáng, hot or cold, the nature of the herbs containing the compounds can help us understand the compound nature. Lutein is found in herbs that are cold, as well as in most green dark leafy vegetables, which are generally cool or cold in nature; omega-3 fatty acids are found in food sources that are generally neutral in nature; and osthole, micheliolide and allicin are found in herbs that are warm or hot. We can therefore use these associations as an entry point to help us adjust dosages as needed, depending on the constitution of the individual.

This personalised approach underscores the adaptability of wàidān practices, where selecting botanical compounds with IL-11-inhibiting properties is not a one-size-fits-all method but rather a tailored strategy that takes into account an individual’s specific constitution and health goals. From this perspective, IL-11 inhibiting wàidān practices can do more than merely inhibit IL-11; they can integrate with each individual’s overall health profile to promote optimal longevity in a balanced manner.

Conclusion

Chinese medicine’s holistic approach to longevity through the preservation of jīng, the vital essence that influences both lifespan and healthspan, is complemented by modern research on interleukin-11 (IL-11), which is linked to ageing and disease. In addition to showing that traditional practices like diet, qìgōng, and acupuncture are able to limit the effects of disease and lifestyle on IL-11 production and jīng depletion, we have also shown how the discovery and application of accessible natural inhibitors like Lutein and Omega-3 provide a compelling model to support longevity through safe, individualised modern wàidān supplementation, directly targeting IL-11 and its effects. By combining ancient wisdom with scientific advances, Chinese medicine can offer meaningful contributions to modern longevity science and evolve ever more effective strategies for extending healthy, vibrant life.

Christian Saint-Pierre is a registered acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. He has been practising professionally since 2005. He practises and teaches Taiwanese acupuncture, medical bā zì, and Yǐ Jīng pulse diagnosis.

Julie Saint-Pierre is a registered acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. She has been practising professionally since 2012. She practises Taiwanese acupuncture, specialising in both women’s health and paediatrics.

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