Autophagy is a process cells use to remove old, damaged parts.

One way to help fight aging is by activating autophagy.

This “housekeeping” process improves cellular functionality.¹

With age, we experience lower rates of autophagy,² which accelerates degenerative processes and increases the risk for chronic diseases.³

In several preclinical models, stimulating autophagy has been shown to improve healthy longevity.^4-6

Scientists at Life Extension®, in collaboration with the Insilico Medicine® research group, identified two nutrients that promote autophagy: luteolin and piperlongumine.

Boost Lifespan and Healthspan

Several animal studies have demonstrated that stimulating autophagy leads to increased longevity.^4-6

In one, activating autophagy in mice extended the average lifespan by 17.2%.⁶ This would be the equivalent of increasing the average human lifespan in the U.S. from 78.5 years to 92 years.

These animals didn’t just live longer. They were also healthier. They maintained lower body weight, increased insulin sensitivity, and had better musculoskeletal functioning.

When scientists inhibited autophagy, certain beneficial properties associated with autophagy enhancement disappeared.

How to Stimulate Autophagy

Two regulatory proteins play key roles in controlling autophagy: mTOR and AMPK.

• When mTOR is activated, it shuts off autophagy.⁷ Inhibiting excess mTOR activity, on the other hand, can increase autophagy.⁸
• AMPK activates autophagy. Boosting cellular AMPK has been shown to improve metabolic health and lifespan.^9,10

The nutrients luteolin and piperlongumine have each been shown to induce autophagy by influencing these proteins.

Luteolin

Luteolin is a flavonoid found in several vegetables and herbs, including celery, broccoli, and parsley.¹¹

It has been shown in preclinical models to both increase AMPK activity and inhibit mTOR signaling.^12-15 These actions activate autophagy, improving cellular metabolism.¹⁶

In animals and cell culture, treatment with luteolin protects the brain, heart, and tested cells.^17-20

For example, when animals with a brain injury were given luteolin,¹⁹ autophagy was activated, inflammation was reduced, and the outcome and recovery from the injury were improved.

Piperlongumine

Piperlongumine is a compound isolated from the long pepper plant.

In pre-clinical studies, piperlongumine was shown to activate autophagy as indicated by increases in a cellular marker called LC3 on autophagosomes, structures involved in initiation of autophagy within a cell.^21,22

Piperlongumine activates Beclin-1, a gene that triggers formation of these autophagosome structures.²³

In an animal study, Beclin-1-dependent autophagy helped protect delicate mitochondria and helped inhibit inflammation to support cardiovascular health.²³

Dietary Methods

Another way people today are inducing autophagy is intermittent fasting also known as time restricted eating.

This usually involves fasting around 16 hours most days and eating in a window of about 8 hours.

During the fasting period, cells sense food scarcity and turn down mTOR, which then activates autophagy.

Summary

Autophagy declines with age. This means cellular “housekeeping and cleanup” slows down, which leads to accelerated aging and increased risk for chronic disease.

The nutrients luteolin and piperlongumine activate autophagy, which can help keep cells functioning youthfully for improved health and longevity.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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