What is it?

Senolytics are a class of compounds that selectively induce the death of senescent cells—cells that have stopped dividing and accumulate with age, contributing to aging and age-related diseases.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Senolytics work by targeting and eliminating senescent cells through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting pathways that help these cells survive. Removing these dysfunctional cells reduces inflammation and tissue damage, promoting healthier aging and improving function in multiple tissues.

Active Ingredients:

There are several senolytic compounds under investigation, including:

• Quercetin
• Dasatinib
• Fisetin
• Navitoclax (ABT-263)
• Piperlongumine

Forms:

Senolytics are available in various forms, including oral capsules, tablets, and injections, depending on the specific compound and its formulation.

Imbalance or Deficiency:

There is no recognized deficiency of senolytics. However, the accumulation of senescent cells with age can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction. Senolytic therapy aims to mitigate these effects.

First Medicinal Use:

Research into senolytics began in the early 21st century, with the first major studies published around 2015, demonstrating their potential in animal models.

Conditions and Symptoms it Helps:

1. Age-related frailty: Improves physical function and resilience - Effective
2. Osteoarthritis: Reduces cartilage degeneration and joint pain - Promising
3. Cardiovascular diseases: Improves vascular function and reduces arterial stiffness - Promising
4. Pulmonary fibrosis: Reduces lung fibrosis and improves respiratory function - Promising
5. Diabetes: Improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation - Promising
6. Chronic kidney disease: Reduces fibrosis and improves kidney function - Promising
7. Cognitive decline: Potentially improves brain function and reduces neuroinflammation - Promising
8. Cancer: Reduces the risk of cancer associated with senescent cells - Promising
9. Immune dysfunction: Enhances immune function by reducing senescent immune cells - Promising
10. Skin aging: Reduces wrinkles and improves skin health - Promising

Conditions and Symptoms it Helps Prevent:

1. Age-related frailty
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Cardiovascular diseases
4. Pulmonary fibrosis
5. Type 2 diabetes
6. Chronic kidney disease
7. Cognitive decline
8. Cancer
9. Immune dysfunction
10. Skin aging

Foods Rich in Senolytics:

Some foods contain natural senolytic compounds, although in lower concentrations compared to supplements:

1. Capers (high in quercetin)
2. Red onions (high in quercetin)
3. Apples (quercetin in the peel)
4. Strawberries (fisetin)
5. Cucumbers (fisetin)
6. Grapes (resveratrol, which has some senolytic properties)
7. Broccoli (sulforaphane, which may have senolytic effects)
8. Green tea (epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG)
9. Turmeric (curcumin)
10. Long pepper (piperlongumine)

Possible Side Effects:

Senolytics are generally well tolerated, but potential side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, diarrhea) - 5-10%
• Fatigue - 5%
• Headache - 3-5%
• Skin rash - <3%
• Low blood cell counts (with some drugs like navitoclax) - varies
• Bleeding (with drugs like dasatinib) - <1%

Possible Side Effects:

Senolytics are generally well tolerated, but potential side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, diarrhea) - 5-10%
• Fatigue - 5%
• Headache - 3-5%
• Skin rash - <3%
• Low blood cell counts (with some drugs like navitoclax) - varies
• Bleeding (with drugs like dasatinib) - <1%

Recommended Daily Dose:

The dosing of senolytics varies widely depending on the specific compound and condition being treated. Clinical trials often use intermittent dosing schedules, such as weekly or monthly, rather than daily dosing, to minimize side effects while effectively reducing senescent cell burden.

Time to Work:

The benefits of senolytic therapy may be noticed within weeks to months, depending on the condition and the individual's response to treatment.

Best Time to Take:

There is no specific best time of day to take senolytics. It often depends on the dosing schedule recommended by a healthcare provider.

With or Without Food:

Senolytics can be taken with or without food, depending on the specific compound. Some may recommend taking with food to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.