Senolytic Supplements: What are they?

Senolytics are drugs/ supplements that selectively target and eliminate dormant and ceased-dividing senescent cells. These drugs are becoming increasingly popular due to their potential to address age-related concerns. 

This article discusses senolytic supplements and their potential health impacts. Continue reading for more details. Check all supplements and vitamins by Welzo to find the desired products and senolytic supplements. 

What is wrong with senescent cells?

Cells stop division due to internal factors and environmental conditions. This process is useful as it buffers cancer and unregulated cell growth by breaking the dysregulated DNA. Senescent cells are nevertheless problematic as they have elevated anti-apoptotic pathways, experience numerous epigenetic changes, and have heightened metabolic activity. 

These cells assume the secreting phenotype and secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to attract immune cells. They also secrete metalloproteinases that cause degradation in the local tissues and various other agents that cause fibrosis and blood clotting. These conditions demand the mechanisms to destroy these cells. 

Senescent cells and ageing  

Senescence is linked to ageing. Over the years, the gradual accumulation of damaged DNA limits the cells' ability to repair themselves. It causes a progressive decline in the functions of organs, such as the eyes, brain, lungs, and heart, and increases the incidence of diseases as a person ages. 

Senescence is directly and indirectly linked to numerous fundamental processes related to mortality and ageing. Senescent cells gradually accumulate with age and contribute to inflammation and tissue dysfunctions. 

When telomeres, the protective caps at the end of each chromosome, become too short, cells lose their communication and experience mitochondrial dysfunctions in the senescent stage. All these factors ultimately contribute to ageing. 

Benefits of Targeting the senescent cells using Senolytic drugs 

Senescent cells are linked to the production of reactive oxygen species, immune cell dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipotoxicity, fibrosis, protein aggregation, damage to DNA, and inflammation. Nevertheless, Senescence is a defence mechanism that prevents cancer by halting cell divisions in uncontrolled cases. The major benefits of targeting senescent cells in the body are;

Reduced occurrence of cancers

In many cases, senescence cells have a useful impact on the surrounding cells and tissues as they help the stem cells to differentiate into appropriate cells. Studies have noted that removing senescent cells from cancer-prone mice has beneficial effects on the cells by lowering the occurrence of tumours and reducing the number of secret cells that have a detrimental influence. 

Better efficacy than anti-cancer cells

Unlike chemotherapeutic drugs, which rely on rapid cell divisions in cancerous cells for better effects, senolytic drugs have the opposite effect and target non-dividing cells. These drugs/ supplements target the anti-apoptotic pathways in senescent cells and allow them to undergo apoptosis. 

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions

The major examples of senolytic drugs are tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as Quercetin and Dasatinib. Dasatinib causes apoptosis by inhibiting the Src kinase, which binds to the receptors that generate the anti-apoptotic signals. Quercetin serves as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drug. 

Both of these drugs have anti-senescent activities and variable efficacy, depending on the degree of genetic adaptations and sources of Senescence. Likewise, both of these compounds can lower the abundance of senescent cells in mice by up to 30-70%, and lower results are observed in the 3D tissue cultures of humans.  

Benefits of Senolytic supplements

Reducing the number and abundance of senescent cells in elderly and middle-aged mice has revealed several health benefits. These benefits are better cardiac and vascular functions, relief from symptoms related to age and obesity, increased sensitivity of the vessels to neurotransmitters, e.g., acetylcholine, and reduced calcification of the blood vessels. 

Physiological benefits

The use of Senolytic supplements promises to address physiological, psychological, and neurological dysfunctions and lower inflammation in the brain. It reduces obesity and the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease in mice. Studies in rat models have noted improvements in age-related conditions, e.g., arthritis and osteoporosis. 

Better bone health

These supplements suppress bone resorption and increase bone formation in cases of age-related osteoporosis. They also increase the levels of glucosamine in the vertebrae, which aids in arthritis.

Better performance

Using Senolytic supplements in mice improves various physical functions, assessed using treadmill performance, daily activity, and grip strength. 

These are improved in the younger and naturally aged mice given senolytic supplements. The use of senolytics extended the life span of the mice by up to 35% and lowered the number of deaths associated with age-related cancers. 

Human trials

Clinical trials of the senolytic supplements in humans are in the early stages, but the initial findings suggest better strength and mobility in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. If these drugs remain effective and safe in humans in the coming trials, they will become valuable tools to address age-related decline in humans. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

What are the most important Senolytic agents? 

There are many compounds, but Fisetin is among the most potent and powerful senolytic agents. In animal studies, it destroys dysfunctional cells and extends the life span by approximately 10%. 

Which foods are naturally rich in senolytics? 

Quercetin is a senolytic agent found abundantly in many foods. It is also available as a dietary supplement like Fisetin. These fruits are red wine, citrus fruits, grapes, broccoli, onions, apples, berries, coffee, and green tea. Adding these foods to the diet has numerous health benefits. 

Which supplements help remove the senescent cells? 

The senolytic supplements that help remove these cells are Chinese Ginseng extract (Panax notoginseng), Fisetin (Rhus succedanea) and Quercetin (Sophora Japonica). Chestnut rose is another such candidate. 

Is ginger a senolytic agent? 

Ginger extract has many components, such as 6-Shogaol and gingerenone A, that have Senolytic potential. Like many other agents, these ingredients have apoptotic potential. 

Enlist some natural Senolytic agents. 

Curcumin, piperlongumine, fisetin, and quercetin are natural Senolytic agents present in many natural foods. They help eliminate senolytic cells through apoptosis. 

Which fruits are the best to slow down the ageing? 

All fruits are great for this purpose, but berries have additional benefits. Berries, such as black currants, cranberries, and blueberries, are packed with numerous antioxidants that protect against various age-related conditions and diseases. 

Bottomline

Senolytic supplements promise to target and combat ageing by selectively removing dysfunctional senescent cells. This approach improves tissue functions and reduces inflammation in the body, and it has the potential to enhance lifespan and healthspan. 

The results of early research are promising, yet future studies are likely to confirm their long-term benefits and safety. With future developments, senolytic supplements are likely to become valuable tools to combat age-related conditions. 

Welzo has numerous related supplements, such as Life Extension Senolytic Activator, NOW Foods Vitamin E-1000, and Evogen IsoJect, Tiramisu. Visit us to review these supplements and place an order.