Senolytics are a new class of compounds aimed at targeting and eliminating senescent cells—cells that have stopped dividing but don’t die off as they should. Senescent cells accumulate in our tissues as we age and contribute to chronic inflammation, tissue dysfunction, and age-related diseases. By selectively clearing these cells, senolytics offer a promising approach to slowing the aging process and potentially extending human healthspan.
This article explores how senolytics work, the scientific evidence behind their benefits, and how they can be integrated into an anti-aging regimen.
How Senolytics Work
As we age, our cells accumulate damage. Normally, damaged cells either repair themselves or go through a process called apoptosis (programmed cell death). However, some cells become “senescent”—they stop dividing but resist cell death. Senescent cells release inflammatory signals and enzymes that can damage surrounding healthy cells, creating a pro-inflammatory environment associated with many age-related diseases.
Senolytics work by selectively targeting these senescent cells, reducing their harmful effects without damaging healthy cells. By clearing out senescent cells, senolytics may help reduce chronic inflammation and improve tissue regeneration, both of which are essential for healthy aging.
Senolytics in Action: Key Compounds and Results from Studies
Several compounds have been studied for their senolytic properties, and while the research is ongoing, some real studies have shown promising results.
1. Quercetin and Dasatinib
Study: A 2018 study published in Nature Medicine investigated the effects of the senolytic combination of quercetin (a plant flavonoid) and dasatinib (a cancer drug) on aging-related conditions in both animal models and humans.
Method: Researchers treated aged mice and humans with intermittent doses of quercetin and dasatinib to see if these compounds could selectively clear senescent cells.
Results: In animal models, quercetin and dasatinib reduced the number of senescent cells in multiple tissues, improved physical function, and extended lifespan. The treatment also led to a reduction in inflammation and tissue damage in human studies.
“Dasatinib and quercetin significantly improved physical function and healthspan, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for age-related diseases.” ~ Nature Medicine, 2018
2. Fisetin: A Natural Senolytic
Study: Another study, published in EBioMedicine in 2018, investigated the effects of fisetin, a plant-based compound found in fruits like strawberries, on aging in mice.
Method: Mice were treated with fisetin intermittently to assess its ability to target senescent cells.
Results: The study found that fisetin reduced the number of senescent cells, improved tissue health, and extended lifespan in mice.
“Fisetin treatment effectively reduced senescent cell burden and extended healthspan, highlighting its potential as a natural senolytic agent.” ~ EBioMedicine, 2018
3. Navitoclax (ABT-263)
Study: Navitoclax, initially developed as an anti-cancer drug, has also shown senolytic effects. A 2016 study published in Aging Cell investigated navitoclax’s potential to clear senescent cells and improve tissue function in aging mice.
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Whats the best shampoo for hair loss? Method: The researchers treated aged mice with navitoclax and observed changes in their physical function and cellular composition.
Results: Navitoclax was found to selectively kill senescent cells, especially in tissues with high numbers of these cells. Mice treated with navitoclax showed improvements in physical function and reduced age-related tissue damage.
“Navitoclax selectively eliminated senescent cells, resulting in improved physical function and rejuvenation of aged tissues.” ~ Aging Cell, 2016
How to Use Senolytics to Slow Down Aging
If you’re interested in incorporating senolytics into your anti-aging routine, here’s how to do so safely:
1. Quercetin and Dasatinib Regimen
Quercetin is widely available as a dietary supplement and was combined with Dasatinib in research for maximum effect. Dasatinib, however, is a prescription drug and is typically only available through a healthcare provider.
Recommended Use: Most senolytic protocols recommend intermittent dosing, such as one or two days per month. Always consult with a healthcare provider before combining these compounds, as they can have side effects, especially dasatinib.
2. Fisetin as a Natural Senolytic
Fisetin, which is available as an over-the-counter supplement, is one of the more accessible senolytic compounds. It’s considered safe at standard dosages and doesn’t require a prescription.
Recommended Use: A common regimen used in studies involves taking fisetin for a few days each month. For example, one protocol uses around 20 mg per kg of body weight for two consecutive days each month. Speak with a healthcare professional to find the right dose for you.
3. Consider Professional Guidance with Senolytic Treatments
Senolytic therapies are still being studied, and self-administration, especially with compounds like dasatinib or navitoclax, should be approached with caution. Many doctors specializing in anti-aging medicine are knowledgeable about senolytics and can help design a personalized regimen that minimizes risk.
Potential Benefits of Senolytics for Anti-Aging
The primary goal of senolytics is to improve healthspan—the number of healthy years a person can live—by addressing the root causes of aging. While results can vary, the reported benefits from studies include:
- Reduced Inflammation: Senescent cells release inflammatory factors that contribute to chronic inflammation. Senolytics help lower these inflammatory markers, creating a healthier environment for cells.
- Improved Physical Function: Studies in both animals and humans show improved physical abilities, such as endurance and muscle strength, after senolytic treatments.
- Enhanced Tissue Health: By clearing out damaged cells, senolytics make way for healthier cells to function optimally, which can improve skin elasticity, joint health, and even cardiovascular function.
What do I do?
I’ve personally ordered a supplement containing a combination of senolytics as an interim until more advanced products become available. It’s called Senolytic 8.I haven’t yet used it but as always you will be the first to know my feedback so stay tuned.
What do I suspect is going to happen next?
Demand drives innovation and there’s huge demand for anti-aging products — just in the same way as with weight loss products. And we’ve seen recently how a weight loss drug, Ozempic, has taken the world of the rich and famous by storm. Practically every overweight celebrity has used Ozempic to become thin. And demand for anti-aging products among the rich and famous is far greater. So I suspect we’ll see in the next few years a senolytic drug — or even better a drug that reprograms cells back to their youth state — appear in the world of the rich and famous in the next 5-10 years.
I will of course keep you informed as soon as I learn anything!
Conclusion
Senolytics represent a promising frontier in anti-aging research, offering a way to reduce the impact of aging at the cellular level by clearing out senescent cells. Real studies using compounds like quercetin, dasatinib, and fisetin have shown improvements in inflammation, physical function, and healthspan, but I suspect we’ll see a ground breaking drug appear in the next 5-10 years that will radically slow aging.
