MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — Researchers have discovered a natural product that can reduce the level of damaged cells in mice caused by aging.
Scientists have found that aged mice treated with Fisetin, found in many fruits and vegetables, has significant positive effects on health and lifespan, according to a University of Minnesota Medical School press release.
As people get older, they accumulate damaged cells. As these cells reach a certain level of damage they go through a process known as cellular senescence, whereby they stop dividing.
Younger people with healthier immune systems can clear out these damaged cells, but as people age, these cells aren't cleared as effectively.
These damaged cells then begin to accumulate and cause low-level inflammation and release enzymes that degrade tissue.
Researchers found that Fisetin reduced the level of damaged cells in older mice, and published their findings in the journal EBioMedicine.
According to one of the study's authors Paul D. Robbins, "these results suggest that we can extend the period of health, termed healthspan, even towards the end of life."
Further research will need to be carried out to see if these results can be reproduced in humans.
