Aging is a natural process that cannot be stopped, but researchers are looking for ways to delay the onset of age-related diseases and improve overall health in older adults. One promising area of research is the identification of compounds that can potentially slow down aging and extend lifespan. In 2019, a review in Nature Reviews Drug Discovery highlighted 13 compounds that have shown promise in animal studies.
Let’s take a closer look at these 13 compounds and their potential benefits:
1. Metformin
Metformin is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it has also shown promise as an anti-aging compound. Studies have shown that metformin can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and increase lifespan in animals.
2. Rapamycin
Rapamycin is a drug used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients, but it has also been shown to extend lifespan in animals. Rapamycin works by inhibiting a protein called mTOR, which plays a role in aging and age-related diseases.
3. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a natural compound found in grapes, red wine, and some nuts. Studies have shown that resveratrol can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
4. NAD+ boosters
NAD+ boosters are compounds that increase the levels of a molecule called NAD+, which plays a critical role in cellular metabolism. Studies have shown that NAD+ boosters can improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
5. Fisetin
Fisetin is a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that fisetin can improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
6. Urolithin A
Urolithin A is a natural compound formed when the gut microbiome metabolizes a compound found in pomegranates and other fruits. Studies have shown that urolithin A can improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
7. Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is naturally produced by the body. Studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide can improve cardiovascular function, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
8. Lithium
Lithium is a drug used to treat bipolar disorder, but it has also been shown to extend lifespan in animals. Lithium works by inhibiting a protein called GSK-3, which plays a role in aging and age-related diseases.
9. α-Ketoglutarate
α-Ketoglutarate is a molecule involved in cellular metabolism. Studies have shown that α-ketoglutarate can improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
10. Senolytics
Senolytics are compounds that can selectively eliminate senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped dividing and can contribute to age-related diseases. Studies have shown that senolytics can improve cardiovascular function, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
11. Spermidine
Spermidine is a natural compound found in foods such as soybeans, mushrooms, and wheat germ. Studies have shown that spermidine can improve cardiovascular function, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
12. Carnosine
Carnosine is a natural compound found in meat and fish. Studies have shown that carnosine can improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan in animals.
13. Aspirin
Aspirin is a drug used to treat pain and inflammation, but it has also been shown to extend lifespan in animals. Aspirin works by inhibiting a protein called NF-κB, which plays a role in aging and age-related diseases.
While these 13 compounds have shown promise in animal studies, more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy in humans. However, these findings provide hope that we may one day be able to inhibit the aging process and improve health outcomes in older adults.
