PQQ, Spermidine, and Urolithin A: How These Three Natural Ingredients May Restart Your Youth Code?

Do you feel that your body's ability to repair itself is not as good as before? Declining immunity, worsening skin condition, lack of energy... These may all be related to cellular aging. In recent years, the scientific community has discovered three highly regarded natural substances—PQQ, spermidine, and urolithin A—which have shown promising anti-aging potential in research. Today, based on published human and animal study data, we will provide a scientific interpretation of the roles and mechanisms of these "Three Musketeers of Anti-Aging."

I. PQQ: Guardian from Skin Barrier to Cellular Vitality

To study the effect of PQQ on skin aging in Bmi-1 KO mice and its underlying mechanisms, wild-type mice (WT) and Bmi-1 KO mice were given a normal diet, while Bmi-1 KO mice were also supplemented with PQQ (PQQ+Bmi-1 KO). Subsequently, we compared the thickness of the epidermis, dermis, hair follicle-sebaceous gland units, and the collagen ratio using HE staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and electron microscopy were performed on all three groups. The results showed that compared to the WT group, Bmi-1 KO mice exhibited a premature aging phenotype.

However, PQQ administration effectively delayed premature aging in Bmi-1 KO mice. PQQ treatment significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal thickness, hair follicle-sebaceous gland unit count, collagen ratio, and the percentage of PCNA-positive cells. PQQ supplementation led to a reduction in the number of autophagosomes, while increasing Beclin-1 and the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio, and decreasing p62 expression. This study provides evidence that downregulation of Bmi-1 promotes skin aging, and that PQQ delays skin aging in Bmi-1 KO mice by promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting the expression of p16, p19, and p53, and enhancing autophagy levels.

II. Spermidine: The "Switch" for Activating Cellular Self-Renewal

A preliminary study on healthy middle-aged adults found that after 8 weeks of daily supplementation with spermidine-rich rice bran extract:

• Markers related to cellular autophagy showed an increase.

• The neurotrophic factor BDNF increased.

• Some inflammatory and blood lipid indicators showed positive changes.

• Safety was good, with high tolerability.

Autophagy is a crucial process by which cells clear damaged components to maintain health. This study suggests that spermidine supplementation may help support this physiological mechanism associated with healthy aging.

III. Urolithin A: Exploring Support for Immune Cell Function

A randomized controlled trial involving healthy adults aged 45-70 showed that after 28 days of daily urolithin A supplementation:

• Changes in the proportion and function of certain immune cell subsets in peripheral blood were observed.

• Metabolic characteristics of CD8⁺ T cells were altered.

• No serious adverse events were reported. The research team believes that urolithin A may modulate age-related changes in immune function by influencing cellular metabolism.

Research related to substances like PQQ, spermidine, and urolithin A opens new scientific perspectives for our understanding of healthy aging. They demonstrate the potential of dietary components to modulate specific physiological processes. However, true "anti-aging" is a comprehensive proposition. While paying attention to cutting-edge scientific discoveries, we should also return to the essence of a healthy life: creating a favorable internal environment for our body's cells through sustainable lifestyle habits, and gracefully welcoming each stage of life.