A daily supplement containing concentrated extracts of vegetables, spices, and fruit may help to slow biological aging and improve health indicators in older men, according to a study published in the Journal of Ageing and Longevity. The research involved men in their 70s who took a supplement composed of broccoli, green tea, pomegranates, cranberries, ginger, and turmeric.
The daily intake of the supplement was roughly equivalent to consuming half a pomegranate, four florets of broccoli, three cups of green tea, a heaped teaspoon of turmeric, ten cranberries, and a 2cm cube of fresh ginger. Participants who took this plant-based supplement for four months showed an improvement of nearly 8 percent in grip strength and a 12 percent increase in testosterone levels.
Combined Supplement and Probiotic Effects
When half of the study volunteers also took a probiotic containing five types of Lactobacillus bacteria, along with prebiotics derived from chicory and vitamin D, the results were more significant. This group experienced a 46 percent improvement in grip strength. Researchers, including scientists from the University of California and Edith Cowan University in Australia, highlighted the importance of combining the plant supplement with probiotics.
Many participants also reported enhanced sexual function and erections, which is believed to be linked to the rise in testosterone levels. Low testosterone has previously been associated with decreased muscle mass, increased frailty, and a higher risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular issues.
The plants used in the supplement are rich in phytochemicals, which are natural compounds known to reduce inflammation and protect DNA. Professor Robert Thomas, a study co-author from the University of Bedfordshire, stated that these plant extracts also act as powerful prebiotics, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is thought to reduce damaging inflammation, which can cause fatigue, low mood, and joint stiffness, and improve the absorption of essential nutrients. This, in turn, can boost energy, muscle function, and testosterone levels.
Professor Thomas suggested that the observed improvements indicate that age-related declines in gut health, testosterone, and grip strength are not inevitable and can potentially be reversed. He also anticipates that women could experience similar longevity benefits, as the underlying mechanisms, particularly improved gut health, would be the same. A future study is planned to assess menopausal symptoms, inflammation, and muscle strength in women using the same supplements.
Previous research has linked plant-based diets to longer, healthier lives. A study using data from over 500,000 UK adults found that diets high in vegetables, fruit, pulses, and legumes were associated with markers of improved longevity, such as longer telomeres—the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with age. This new study is reportedly the first to suggest that supplements derived from concentrated whole foods might reverse biological aging.
However, some experts urge caution. Professor Gunter Kuhnle from the University of Reading noted that while plant-based diets are important for health, the effectiveness of such supplements for longevity remains unclear. He suggested that a balanced diet rich in various fruits and vegetables is the best approach, rather than relying on specific supplements. Professor Gary Frost of Imperial College London also pointed out potential limitations in the study, noting that the group showing the greatest improvement was slightly younger and had better baseline grip strength than the other group, which could influence the observed results.