Researchers are exploring whether a natural compound found in aged garlic extract could help support muscle health as people grow older. A new study suggests that S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine, or S1PC, may help improve muscle strength and reduce frailty during aging. The findings offer hope for a simple nutrition-based approach that could help older adults stay active and maintain physical function later in life.
The study was conducted by researchers from the Institute for Research on Productive Aging and Wakunaga Pharmaceutical, a company known for developing products made from aged garlic extract. Their research will be published in the journal Cell Metabolism on May 7, 2026. The researchers wanted to understand better how natural compounds from food might help reduce some of the physical decline commonly linked to aging.
As people age, many experience a gradual loss of muscle strength, lower energy levels, and increased frailty, even when they do not have a serious medical condition. These changes can make everyday activities more difficult and reduce the quality of life. Researchers say that while some treatments for age-related conditions can be expensive, there is growing interest in finding safer and more affordable ways to support healthy aging. Natural health products and nutrition-based approaches are becoming increasingly important, but many still lack strong scientific evidence. This study aimed to help fill that gap.
The research team focused on S1PC, a compound naturally found in aged garlic extract. They discovered that the compound appears to help different parts of the body communicate with each other in ways that support muscle function. Instead of acting directly on muscles, the compound seems to influence signals between fat tissue and the brain. These signals may help the body better regulate muscle strength, energy use, and body temperature during aging. The researchers describe this as an important new pathway connecting fat tissue, the brain, and muscles.
To better understand the effects of S1PC, the team studied aged mice over a longer period of time. The mice that received the compound showed stronger muscle performance, lower frailty scores, and healthier body temperature regulation compared with untreated mice. The researchers also conducted a small human study and found that people who took S1PC showed increases in certain blood markers linked to healthy cellular function. The effects appeared to be more noticeable in people who had enough body fat, suggesting that fat tissue may play an important role in how the compound works in the body.
Dr. Kiyoshi Yoshioka, one of the study’s lead authors, said his experiences working with older adults inspired the research. He explained that many seniors lose strength and independence even without having a major illness, leaving limited options for prevention. Another senior researcher, Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai, said the findings reveal a new way organs may work together during aging and could open the door to future anti-aging strategies. Although more human research is still needed, the researchers believe S1PC may eventually become part of a simple daily nutritional approach to help older adults maintain strength, mobility, and overall well-being.
More information: Jun-ichiro Suzuki et al, Garlic-derived metabolite activates LKB1, promotes adipose eNAMPT secretion, and improves age-related muscle function via hypothalamic signaling, Cell Metabolism. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2026.04.006
Journal information: Cell Metabolism Provided by Institute for Research on Productive Aging
