AKG, scientific name α-ketoglutarate, is an important metabolic substance present in the human body and is a key intermediate product in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle). It participates in a variety of biochemical reactions in the human body, especially playing a central role in energy metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and cell function maintenance. AKG is not only crucial in energy supply, but is also closely related to cell repair and regeneration. In recent years, studies have found that AKG has significant effects in anti-aging, improving immunity, and promoting tissue repair, so it is widely used in the fields of nutritional supplements and medical research.

Due to factors such as high work pressure, lack of exercise, poor diet and other factors, modern men's sperm quality has generally declined, which has become one of the important causes of global fertility problems. Research has found that AKG can enhance sperm motility and quantity by improving cell mitochondrial function and increasing cell energy supply. In addition, AKG also has antioxidant effects, which can remove free radicals in the reproductive system, reduce oxidative damage to sperm, and significantly improve sperm quality.

The health of the reproductive system is closely related to hormone levels in the body. Ovarian function in women and testicular function in men are both regulated by hormone balance. AKG can balance the secretion of sex hormones in the body by regulating the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. For women, AKG can improve ovarian function, increase follicle maturity and ovulation rate; For men, AKG helps increase testosterone levels, enhance sexual function and fertility.

A woman's ovarian reserve function is an important factor in determining fertility. As age increases, ovarian function gradually declines, the number and quality of follicles decrease, and fertility decreases significantly. AKG promotes the metabolism and repair of ovarian cells, delays ovarian aging, and improves follicle quality, thereby extending a woman's fertility window.

For women, the health of the lining of the uterus is crucial. The thickness and blood flow supply of the endometrium directly affect embryo implantation and pregnancy success rate. AKG can improve blood circulation, increase endometrial blood flow, optimize the uterine environment, and provide better conditions for embryo implantation. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of AKG can effectively reduce endometrial inflammation and improve pregnancy rates.

Cells within the reproductive system are highly susceptible to damage from oxidative stress. As a powerful antioxidant, AKG can effectively neutralize free radicals and reduce cell damage, thereby protecting the health of the reproductive system.  

AKG plays an important role in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which can improve the energy metabolism efficiency of cells and provide sufficient energy support for reproductive cells. This is essential for the production and maturation of sperm and eggs. 

AKG participates in the synthesis of collagen, helps repair and maintain the structure and function of reproductive system tissues, and enhances the elasticity and health of reproductive organs.

In assisted reproductive technologies (such as in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination), AKG can be used as an auxiliary treatment to improve the success rate of fertility. Its ability to improve sperm and egg quality significantly increases the probability of conception.

For people with reproductive system problems or those who are planning to have children, appropriate supplementation of AKG can be used as a daily health care measure. Especially during the pregnancy preparation stage, AKG supplementation can help improve the fertility of both men and women.

At present, AKG has shown good safety in clinical studies, but it still needs to be used under the guidance of a doctor to avoid overdose. In addition, pregnant women, lactating women and people with serious diseases should use it rationally under the advice of professional doctors.

Revealed: Ten kinds of traditional Chinese medicine can help you grow in reverse and rejuvenate your body!

Do you feel helpless when facing the traces left by the years? Let’s explore the anti-aging secrets of ten traditional Chinese medicines and regain your lost youth. Whenever we see those uninvited wrinkles in front of the mirror, or feel that our physical strength is no longer sufficient, we always lament the ruthlessness of time.

1. Ginseng – Improves wisdom

"Shen Nong's Materia Medica" records: "Ginseng nourishes the five internal organs, soothes the spirit, calms the soul, relieves panic, eliminates evil spirits, improves eyesight, makes people happy and improves intelligence. Long-term use can lighten the body and prolong life." Efficacy: Improve brain power, regulate the central nervous system, and eliminate fatigue. Recommended usage: Wash the whole ginseng or cut into slices, add water to soak for 30 minutes, simmer over slow fire for about 1 hour, and drink after the ginseng juice becomes warm.

2. Wolfberry - Guardian of the Liver

"Shen Nong's Materia Medica" records: "Long-term use will strengthen the bones and muscles, make the body light and not grow old, and can withstand cold and heat." Efficacy: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence and improves eyesight, enhances physical fitness, and delays aging. Recommended usage: Chew 2030 capsules in the morning and evening, or soak 3040 capsules in boiling water for drinking.

3. Astragalus – the source of cellular youth

"Shen Nong's Materia Medica" records: Astragalus is classified as top grade, which can replenish the body's qi and relieve qi deficiency and weakness and insufficient qi. Efficacy: Expand coronary arteries, improve blood supply to myocardium, improve immune function, and delay cell aging. Recommended usage: Use about 30 grams of astragalus every day, boil it in water before taking it, or add 15 grams of wolfberry, boil it in water and take it.

4. Ganoderma lucidum - the nemesis of free radicals

"Shen Nong's Materia Medica" records: "Replenishing liver qi, calming the spirit and soul", "Eating for a long time can make you light up and not grow old, and prolong your life." Efficacy: Enhance coronary blood flow, reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, protect liver and detoxify, adjust immunity, relieve cough and asthma. Recommended usage: Ganoderma lucidum chicken soup: 20 grams of red mushroom, 20 grams of dried lily, 20 grams of dried lotus seeds, half a chicken, 3 slices of ginger, simmer over high heat for 1 hour.

5. Panax notoginseng—the patron saint of blood

"Compendium of Materia Medica" records: "Ginseng is the first to nourish qi, Panax notoginseng is the first to nourish blood, the taste is the same but the effects are equal." Efficacy: Anti-thrombosis, anti-cerebral ischemia, anti-myocardial damage, anti-arrhythmia, anti-inflammation, improve learning and memory. Recommended usage: Black-bone chicken stewed with Panax notoginseng and wolfberry: Black-bone chicken, ginger slices, Panax notoginseng, red dates, wolfberry, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 50 minutes.

6. Polygonum multiflorum - antioxidant warrior

"Kaibao Materia Medica" of the Song Dynasty records: "Long-term use will strengthen bones and muscles, replenish the essence, and prolong life." Efficacy: Promote nerve cell growth, regulate cholesterol levels, and resist oxidation. Recommended usage: Fat control and longevity tea: Prepare Polygonum multiflorum and boil in water for 20 minutes, simmer with raw hawthorn, white chrysanthemum and green tea to make tea.

7. Rhodiola rosea – the nemesis of fatigue

"Qian Jin Yi Fang" records: "Sedum is non-toxic, lightens the body and improves eyesight, and long-term use can stimulate the spirit and prevent aging." Efficacy: Anti-hypoxia, anti-cold, anti-fatigue, anti-radiation, improve work efficiency, and delay body aging. Recommended usage: Fry rhodiola rosea in water to extract juice, thicken and season, and pour over steamed radish.

8. Angelica – the harmonizer of blood

"Chinese Pharmacopoeia" records: Angelica sinensis has the functions of nourishing blood and activating blood circulation, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, and moistening intestines and laxative. Efficacy: Enriching blood and activating blood circulation, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, moistening intestines and laxative. Recommended usage: Angelica chicken soup: Boil chicken with angelica and wolfberry, add water and simmer for about 1 hour, season and eat.

9. Polygonatum – a supplement for vitality and energy

Traditional Chinese medicine records: Polygonatum odorifera has the effects of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, tonifying the spleen and qi, and tonifying the kidneys and essence. Efficacy: Anti-fatigue, improve body immunity, delay aging. Recommended usage: 10g of polygonatum and 10g of wolfberry, decoction in water instead of tea.

10. Acanthopanax—a gas station for the spirit

Traditional Chinese medicine records: Acanthopanax has the functions of "tonifying qi and calming the nerves, replenishing the kidneys and strengthening the waist, activating blood circulation and unblocking collaterals". Efficacy: Brain strengthening, anti-fatigue, antioxidant, delaying aging, and improving immunity. Recommended usage: 10g of Acanthopanax and 6g of Schisandra chinensis, brew in boiling water, cover and let stand for more than 15 minutes.

AKG, PQQ, spermidine and ergothioneine: Comparing the four major anti-aging ingredients, who is the main anti-aging ingredient?