尽管如此，科学传递的信息振奋人心：它有力驳斥了"45岁即人生终点"的论调。正如卡尔·荣格（Carl Jung）所言，人生或许正始于不惑之年，而此前岁 月，我们不过是在"收集数据"罢了。 那么，神经科学究竟揭示了什么？ 社会流行观念总在暗示，人到中年，便意味着"游戏结束"。衰退似乎不可避免：身体机能放缓、思维敏捷度下降，衰老的进程看似不可阻挡。普遍认知认 为，一旦迈入45岁，人生便一路下行。 诚然，随着年龄增长，身体和认知能力都会发生重大变化。我们深知，不同的身体与认知功能受年龄影响，会随时间推移而演变或衰退。但人到中年，其 价值必然低于三十多岁时吗？我们的贡献会随年岁增长而贬值吗？还是说，随着年龄增长，不同的能力，甚至全新的优势，会脱颖而出？ 过去十余年间，我持续分析并整合了神经科学、精神病学、心理学及成人发展领域日益丰富的研究成果。通过梳理哈佛大学Robert Kegan、麻省理工学 院、斯坦福大学，以及德克萨斯大学达拉斯分校脑健康研究中心等机构科学家的成果，我发现了一个突破性结论：某些认知能力的巅峰期，远晚于我们既 往的认知。 研究证据表明，诸多对商业至关重要的认知能力，诸如整合性与变革性推理、专注力、创 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical significance, medicinal properties, and market potential of Huaihua (Sophora japonica), highlighting its dual role as both a food and a medicine, and its growing demand in various sectors [1][11]. Historical and Cultural Significance - Huaihua has been recognized in Chinese culture since ancient times, with references in texts like "Shan Hai Jing" [1]. - It is associated with auspicious meanings and is used in traditional customs for its protective qualities [1]. Medicinal Properties - Huaihua is recognized as a "dual-use" substance, serving both as a food and a medicine since its inclusion in the 2002 list by the Ministry of Health [1]. - The active components in Huaihua include triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its health benefits [5]. Health Benefits - **Antioxidant Effects**: Huaihua contains flavonoids that help eliminate free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic inflammation [6]. - **Cardiovascular Health**: Active compounds in Huaihua can reduce platelet aggregation, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases [7]. - **Anti-Glycation**: Huaihua extracts can inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are harmful compounds associated with diabetes complications [9]. - **Brain Health**: Studies indicate that Huaihua extracts can suppress inflammatory responses in the brain, potentially reducing neuronal damage [10]. Market Potential - The global market for Huaihua extracts is projected to grow from $20.2 million in 2025 to $37.9 million by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% [11]. - The increasing applications of Huaihua in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics are driving market demand [11].