A new study shows a surprising anti-aging effect of a compound made from old garlic extract. The substance S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine (S1PC) activates a previously unknown communication chain between adipose tissue, the hypothalamus in the brain and skeletal muscle – and thus improves muscle strength in aging mice. The first indications of the same mechanism have also been observed in humans.

The international research team from the Institute for Research on Productive Aging (IRPA) in Tokyo and the company Wakunaga Pharmaceutical has discovered that S1PC activates the enzyme LKB1 in fat cells. This leads to the activation of the SIRT1 signaling pathway and to the increased release of extracellular NAMPT (eNAMPT) in the form of extracellular vesicles. These vesicles enter the hypothalamus via the bloodstream, where they increase sympathetic nerve activity and ultimately improve muscle function.

In experiments with old mice, long-term administration of S1PC led to a significant reduction in the frailty score, higher muscle strength and normalization of body temperature. An accompanying human study showed that S1PC significantly increased blood eNAMPT levels in individuals with sufficient fat mass.

“Our results describe a previously unknown mechanism by which S1PC alleviates age-related muscle weakness via inter-organ communication,” explains Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai, Chairman of IRPA. “S1PC could thus be a promising approach for the development of new nutraceutical interventions against age-related muscle loss.”

The researchers see S1PC as a safe and well-tolerated remedy from traditional medicine that could be used as a dietary supplement. Unlike many expensive drugs, it could offer a cost-effective and sustainable way to maintain quality of life in old age.

The study was published in the journal Cell Metabolism on May 7, 2026, and will also be presented at the FASEB SRC Conference on NAD⁺ Metabolism and Signaling in Melbourne, Florida in June.

The results open up new perspectives for the fight against age-related muscle weakness (sarcopenia) and underline the importance of inter-organ communication in the aging process. Further studies are now to clarify whether S1PC can also improve muscle function in humans in the long term.

Original Paper:

Suzuki, J., Yoshioka, K., Kurita, M., et al. Garlic-derived metabolite activates LKB1, promotes adipose eNAMPT secretion and improves age-related muscle function via hypothalamic signalling. Cell Metab. (2026)

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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