The human race has always had a fascination with youth and longevity. Numerous studies have been conducted time and again to find substances that can fight aging and offer humankind the gift of better health and wellness. With the advancement of technology, the time where we could take a pill to extend our lifespan might be just around the corner. 

A class of drug that supports healthy aging, known as a senolytic drug, could do more than add years to your life. Cells constantly divide, a process that allows us to grow and heal, but as we age, some cells stop dividing and become “senescent.” Cellular senescence regulates physiological and homeostatic processes particularly during embryonic development and wound healing. Cellular senescence can also be a pathological process that contributes to aging, various diseases and metabolic disorders. Senescent cells can also contribute to a number of health conditions such as cancer, dementia, and arthritis. The older we are, the more of these senescent cells we accumulate.

Senolytic drugs are designed to clear away senescent cells while leaving adjacent cells unharmed. Senolytic drugs, stem cell therapies and other interventions, have been shown to extend lifespan and reduce tissue injury in various animals.

Fisetin is a plant compound found in many fruits and vegetables. Scientists have considered Fisetin a senolytic compound because it targets and wipes out senescent cells in the body.  In his research, Paul Robbins, co-director of the Institute of Biology of Aging and Metabolism at the University of Minnesota, found that Fisetin significantly extended and improved the lives of lab mice. Other studies have shown that Fisetin has improved Alzheimer's disease and slowed  the growth of cancer cells in mice. 

It is still early days for the senolytic field.  While some drugs such as Dasatinib, Quercetin, Fisetin, 17-DMAG, Navitoclax, Catechins may show promise in lab mice, more time and research is necessary before in order to determine the benefit of senolytic drugs or compounds to humans. It is important to note that natural Fisetin and other anti-inflammatory compounds are abundant in strawberries as well as onions, apples, and a whole bunch of other colorful fruits and vegetables. So we may not have to wait for the miracle “anti-aging pill” after all.  Eating more fruits and vegetables as we age is just a win-win for everyone. 

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