Researchers in Japan have discovered that S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine, a potent molecule present in aged garlic extract, enhances strength and diminishes frailty in elderly mice by activating a novel signaling pathway.
Suzuki et al. report that S1PC, a bioactive compound derived from aged garlic extract, enhances muscle function in older mice and may present a low-cost strategy to combat frailty in seniors. Image credit: Suzuki et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2026.04.006.
Historically, garlic (Allium sativum) has been utilized globally to address various health issues.
In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, China, and India, garlic was regarded as a universal remedy to enhance vitality, boost stamina, and ward off infections.
A substantial body of scientific evidence supports the notion that both garlic and aged garlic extract (AGE) offer significant health advantages.
Among the many bioactive compounds found in garlic are allicin and S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), with S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine (S1PC) standing out in AGE.
S1PC, a sulfur-containing amino acid abundantly present in AGEs, has garnered attention for its diverse pharmacological benefits, including promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism, improving atherosclerosis, and protecting vascular endothelial cells.
“As a physical therapist, I often witnessed older adults losing functionality and vitality simply due to the absence of specific diseases that required treatment. This gap in proactive care spurred my research,” stated Kiyoshi Yoshioka, Ph.D., research fellow at the Institute for Productive Aging and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology.
“We hope our findings assist older adults in enhancing their fitness and strength by simply integrating nutritional supplements into their diets.”
In their research, Dr. Yoshioka and his team revealed that S1PC activates the liver kinase B1 (LKB1) enzyme, vital for regulating cellular metabolism.
Notably, S1PC encourages the formation of a protein complex that involves LKB1, which then activates the SIRT1 pathway, facilitating the release of extracellular NAMPT (eNAMPT) from adipose tissue.
The enzyme eNAMPT is crucial for synthesizing NAD+, an essential molecule that plays a role in cell protection, DNA repair, and energy production.
Rather than acting directly on muscle, eNAMPT from extracellular vesicles (eNAMPT-EVs) travels through the bloodstream to influence the hypothalamus, a key regulatory center in the brain.
This interaction enhances sympathetic signaling, thereby improving muscle function.
The findings illuminate a new communication channel connecting adipose tissue, the brain, and skeletal muscle, offering fresh insights into managing age-related functional decline.
The functional benefits of S1PC were rigorously evaluated in aged mice.
Long-term administration of S1PC yielded significant reductions in frailty scores, increased skeletal muscle strength, and restored core body temperature.
Notably, human studies indicate that S1PC boosts circulating eNAMPT levels, particularly in individuals with adequate adipose tissue.
The discovery that S1PC’s distinct effects on eNAMPT-EV secretion are conserved across cells, mice, and humans presents compelling prospects for S1PC as a potential anti-aging intervention in humans.
“Our findings reveal a unique, previously unrecognized role of S1PC in activating LKB1 and fostering interorgan communication to enhance muscle function,” remarked Dr. Shinichiro Imai, director of the Institute for Productive Aging Research.
“We anticipate that S1PC may possess broader anti-aging effects warranting further exploration.”
These findings were published in the latest issue of Cell Metabolism.
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Junichiro Suzuki et al.. Garlic-derived metabolites activate LKB1, promote adipose eNAMPT secretion, and improve age-related muscle function through hypothalamic signaling. Cell Metabolism, published online on May 7, 2026. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2026.04.006
Source: www.sci.news
