Quick answer: Senescent cells are damaged cells that stop dividing but do not die. They release inflammatory signals that harm nearby tissue, and they build up with age. Senolytics are compounds being studied for their ability to help the body clear these cells. Natural compounds such as fisetin and quercetin are being researched, but human evidence is still early, so senolytics are best used, if at all, with a provider’s guidance.
Key takeaways
Senescent cells are damaged cells that stop dividing but linger, releasing inflammatory signals into nearby tissue.
Senolytics are compounds being studied for helping the body clear these cells, and fisetin and quercetin are two natural examples.
Human evidence is still early, so exercise, sleep and steady blood sugar remain the most reliable ways to limit buildup.
What are senescent cells?
When a cell suffers persistent DNA damage, very short telomeres or other stress, it can enter senescence: it stops dividing to avoid becoming cancerous. That is protective in the short term. But senescent cells resist normal cell death and release a mix of inflammatory signals (called the SASP) that can damage surrounding tissue and even push neighboring cells into senescence.
Why they matter with age
Senescent cells fuel chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) and disrupt stem cells and tissue repair. They break down supporting tissue such as cartilage, and they accumulate in fat, joints, blood vessels and other tissues.
What are senolytics?
Senolytics are compounds that may selectively trigger senescent cells to die. Senomorphics are compounds that quiet the inflammatory signals senescent cells release.
Fisetin is a plant flavonoid found in strawberries that is being studied in human trials, and quercetin is a flavonoid often studied in combination with other agents. Dasatinib is a prescription cancer drug studied with quercetin in research settings, and it is not for self-use. Curcumin and other polyphenols have been studied as senomorphics.
Habits that help limit senescent cells
Regular exercise, which is linked with lower markers of senescent cells, comes first, along with sleep and stress care and a polyphenol-rich diet. Fasting windows and autophagy support can help too (see autophagy without starving yourself).
Safety
Senolytic regimens are experimental. They may affect wound healing and interact with medications, and they are not appropriate during pregnancy, active cancer treatment or before surgery without your doctor’s approval. If you work with me, I can help you decide whether a senolytic approach fits your plan; my tiered options are in longevity protocols.
Senescence and healthy aging
Cellular senescence is one of the core biological processes of aging. It connects to chronic inflammation, stem cell exhaustion and altered communication between cells. Clearing or quieting senescent cells is one of the most active areas of aging research. Related: inflammaging.
When to see a naturopathic doctor
It may be time to see a naturopathic doctor if you want to understand whether senolytics are appropriate for you, or if you take medications and want to check interactions. The same is true if you want a healthy-aging plan built on proven habits first, or if you have chronic inflammation markers you want to address.
What the research shows
Human senolytic research is still early. In a 2019 pilot study by Hickson and colleagues, 9 adults with diabetic kidney disease, average age 69, took the prescription drug dasatinib (100 mg) plus quercetin (1,000 mg) for just 3 days. Eleven days later, biopsies showed fewer senescent cells in fat tissue and skin, and blood levels of several inflammatory factors, including IL-6, had fallen. This was an open-label study with no control group, so it shows the approach can reach senescent cells in people, not that it improves health.
The first larger randomized trial was more sobering. In a 2024 phase 2 trial by Farr and colleagues, 60 postmenopausal women took intermittent dasatinib plus quercetin or nothing (a control group) for 20 weeks. The main outcome, a marker of bone breakdown, did not differ between groups, and a bone-building marker rose by 16% at 2 and 4 weeks but was back to control levels by 20 weeks. Women with the highest senescent cell burden seemed to respond more, which the authors said needs testing. Dasatinib is a cancer drug with real risks, and quercetin alone has not been shown to act as a senolytic in people.
Curious about senolytics? Let us talk about whether they fit your plan.
A free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Kneessi. No cost, no obligation. In-office in Odenton, MD or by telehealth.
Questions to bring to your clinician
These questions can help you get the most out of your next visit.
Given how early the research is, does trying a senolytic make any sense for me?
What would be a gentle starting point for exercise for healthy aging, given where I am right now?
Is there anything in my health history that would make exercise for healthy aging need extra care?
How would we know that exercise for healthy aging is helping me, and when should we check in?
Frequently asked questions
What are senescent cells?
Damaged cells that stop dividing but do not die, and that release inflammatory signals.
Is fisetin a senolytic?
Fisetin is being studied as a senolytic in human trials. Results are not yet conclusive.
Are senolytics safe?
They are experimental. Some can interact with medications or affect healing. Use them only with guidance.
Can exercise clear senescent cells?
Research suggests regular exercise may lower markers of senescent cell burden.
Sources
- Hickson LJ, Langhi Prata LGP, Bobart SA, et al. Senolytics decrease senescent cells in humans: Preliminary report from a clinical trial of Dasatinib plus Quercetin in individuals with diabetic kidney disease. EBioMedicine 2019. PMID: 31542391. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31542391/
- Farr JN, Atkinson EJ, Achenbach SJ, et al. Effects of intermittent senolytic therapy on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women: a phase 2 randomized controlled trial. Nat Med 2024. PMID: 38956196. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38956196/
- Kirkland JL, Tchkonia T. Cellular senescence: a translational perspective. EBioMedicine 2017. PMID: 28416161. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5514381/
- Yousefzadeh MJ, et al. Fisetin is a senotherapeutic that extends health and lifespan. EBioMedicine 2018. PMID: 30279143. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6197652/
- Englund DA, et al. Exercise reduces circulating biomarkers of cellular senescence in humans. Aging Cell 2021. PMID: 34101960. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8282238/
- López-Otín C, et al. Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell 2023. PMID: 36599349. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36599349/
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual evaluation. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements or changing medications, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition.
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