Muscle weakness is one of the most common problems that comes with aging. Many older adults gradually lose strength, energy, balance, and mobility as the years pass.
This decline can make everyday activities more difficult and increase the risk of falls, injuries, and loss of independence.
Scientists around the world are searching for ways to help people stay physically stronger as they age. A new study from researchers in Japan now suggests that a natural compound found in aged garlic extract may help support healthier muscles and reduce frailty during aging.
The findings were published in the scientific journal Cell Metabolism.
The research was conducted by scientists from the Institute for Research on Productive Aging in Tokyo together with Wakunaga Pharmaceutical in Hiroshima, a company known for producing aged garlic extract products.
The compound studied is called S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine, shortened to S1PC. It is a natural substance created during the aging process of garlic.
Garlic has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Many people consume garlic for possible benefits related to heart health, circulation, immunity, and general wellness. But scientists are still discovering how specific garlic compounds may affect the body at the cellular level.
In this study, researchers wanted to know whether S1PC could influence the aging process and improve muscle health.
The scientists discovered that the compound works in a surprisingly indirect way. Instead of acting directly on muscles themselves, S1PC appeared to improve communication between fat tissue, the brain, and muscles.
Researchers found that S1PC activates an enzyme called LKB1, which helps control metabolism and cellular energy systems.
Activation of this enzyme then stimulated another pathway involving a protein known as SIRT1. This process increased the release of eNAMPT, a substance that helps support production of NAD+, an important molecule involved in energy production, cell repair, and cell protection.
NAD+ has attracted major scientific interest in recent years because its levels tend to decline with age. Some researchers believe maintaining healthy NAD+ levels may support healthier aging.
The study found that fat tissue released eNAMPT into the bloodstream inside tiny transport particles. These particles then traveled to the hypothalamus, a small but extremely important part of the brain that helps control body temperature, metabolism, stress responses, and nervous system activity.
Once the signals reached the brain, researchers observed increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which appeared to improve muscle function.
The scientists tested S1PC in older mice over a longer period of time. The results were encouraging. Mice receiving the compound showed stronger muscles, lower frailty scores, and better body temperature control compared to untreated mice.
Researchers also performed a human study and found that S1PC increased eNAMPT levels in circulation, especially among individuals with sufficient fat tissue.
This was important because it suggested that the same biological mechanism may function similarly in both animals and humans.
The study provides a new way of thinking about aging and muscle health. Scientists increasingly believe aging does not happen independently inside each organ. Instead, many organs communicate constantly through hormones, proteins, and nervous system signals.
The newly discovered pathway linking fat tissue, the brain, and muscles may help explain how different body systems work together during aging.
Dr. Kiyoshi Yoshioka, one of the study’s authors, said his work was inspired by his experiences as a physical therapist. He often saw older adults become weaker and lose physical function despite not having a major illness requiring treatment.
This led him to focus on proactive approaches that could help preserve physical ability before severe frailty develops.
The researchers believe S1PC may eventually become part of evidence-based nutritional strategies designed to support healthy aging.
This is especially important because age-related muscle decline is becoming a growing global health challenge. As populations age, more people are expected to experience frailty, mobility problems, and increased healthcare needs.
Many anti-aging drugs under development are expensive and may not be practical for widespread long-term use. Researchers say natural compounds with strong safety profiles could provide more accessible options.
The study also noted that aged garlic extract has been consumed safely for generations, with no major reports of harmful side effects.
However, scientists emphasize that much more research is still needed. Although the results in mice were promising, researchers must now determine whether S1PC can produce meaningful long-term improvements in muscle strength and healthy aging in larger human studies.
The scientists also plan to investigate whether the compound may influence other aging-related processes beyond muscle function.
Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai, chairman of the Institute for Research on Productive Aging, said the findings may represent only the beginning of understanding how S1PC affects the body.
He explained that the study expands current scientific understanding of how organs communicate during aging and opens new possibilities for future anti-aging research.
Although no supplement can stop aging completely, the findings offer hope that simple nutritional compounds may one day help people maintain strength, mobility, and independence longer as they grow older.
If you care about muscle, please read studies about factors that can cause muscle weakness in older people, and scientists find a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss.
For more health information, please see recent studies about an easy, cheap way to maintain muscles, and results showing these vegetables essential for your muscle strength.
The study was published in Cell Metabolism.
Source: Institute for Research on Productive Aging.
