Sulforaphane extends lifespan in C. elegans worms in preliminary study
A preprint not yet peer reviewed reports that sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, extended the lifespan of C. elegans worms by more than 50% at the most effective doses when started early in life.
Source: Sulforaphane extends lifespan in C. elegans worms, preprint reports (biorxiv.org). Summary written with AI from the source and reviewed by rules; read the original.
What the research shows
The study, a preprint that has not yet been peer reviewed, examined the effect of sulforaphane, a compound from cruciferous vegetables, on the lifespan of C. elegans worms. At the most effective doses, when the compound was started early in life, the worms lived more than 50% longer. This is an animal study.
C. elegans worms are a widely used model in aging research because they have a short lifespan and well-understood genetics. Results like these are useful for generating hypotheses, but they do not show whether the same happens in humans. Preprints can also change after review by other scientists.
What it means
The result suggests sulforaphane may influence aging in worms, but there is no evidence yet of a similar effect in people. It is not known whether the finding will be repeated in other studies, or what the effects would be in mammals or humans.
How to read it with care
This result does not replace a consultation. Anyone considering a change in diet, supplements or treatment should talk to a doctor or another qualified health professional.