Human Body Can Produce ‘Elixir’ That Slows Ageing, Research Reveals

Researchers have identified a natural elixir produced by the liver that slows ageing. The compound, known as lithocholic acid (LCA), has shown the potential to improve muscle recovery, strengthen grip, and boost endurance.

The findings, published in the journal Nature, highlight LCA’s ability to mimic the anti-ageing effects associated with calorie restriction.

How LCA mimics calorie restriction

Studies suggest that mammals naturally accumulate LCA during calorie restriction. This process activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key molecule that regulates energy use in the body. AMPK also plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and protecting nerves from damage—factors closely tied to the ageing process.

By triggering AMPK, LCA could provide similar benefits to those achieved through dietary restrictions, without the need for severe calorie cuts. Researchers believe this discovery could pave the way for new approaches to combat ageing and its related diseases.

Promising results in animal experiments

To test LCA’s effects, scientists conducted experiments on fruit flies and a microscopic worm species known as Caenorhabditis elegans. These animals do not naturally produce LCA, but they exhibited remarkable improvements when treated with the compound.

In worms, LCA extended the average lifespan from 22 to 27 days. Among fruit flies, male lifespans increased from 47 to 52 days, while females lived from 52 to 56 days.

Lin Shengcai, a metabolic biologist at Xiamen University and the study’s lead author said, “People have long sought an elixir for longevity. LCA is one possibility, as it represents one molecule in the blood of people practicing calorie restriction and activates AMPK, which in turn further induces metabolite changes in the blood.”

Researchers look for potential human applications

Encouraged by the results, Lin and his team are exploring whether LCA could be developed into a pill for human use. They aim to determine how the compound might work for people of various ages and health conditions, including pregnant individuals.

New research in @Nature has identified a bile acid called Lithocholic Acid (LCA) that could be the missing link between caloric restriction and improvements in lifespan and health span. (Link at end )

1/6) Brief Background
For background, caloric restriction has been shown… pic.twitter.com/R1i1jcIYvH

— Nick Norwitz (@nicknorwitz) December 22, 2024

The team plans to address challenges such as identifying safe and effective doses of the “elixir” that slows ageing. Human trials remain a distant but achievable goal, Lin said.

“We will address the challenges and complexities to explore how it can be applied to humans of different ages with various health conditions, such as pregnancy, and determine the appropriate dosage,” he added.

Hope for healthy ageing

While more research is needed to confirm LCA’s effects in humans, the study marks a significant breakthrough in ageing research. The journey from laboratory experiments to human applications is long, but researchers are optimistic.

The study opens the door to potential therapies that could not only extend lifespans but also improve the quality of life in later years.