Ginsenoside Rg1 Delays Chronological Aging In A Yeast Model Via Sse1-Mediated Mitophagy

Therapeutic
Aging Pathway
Analytical
Ginsenoside Rg1, a compound found in ginseng, has been shown to extend the lifespan of yeast cells by improving mitochondrial function and antioxidant defenses through a process called mitophagy, which is regulated by the protein SSE1.
Author

Gemini

Published

January 5, 2026

Scientists have uncovered a fascinating way a natural compound might help slow down aging. The compound, called Ginsenoside Rg1, comes from ginseng and has been found to extend the life of yeast cells. It does this by boosting the health of mitochondria, which are like the powerhouses of our cells, and by improving the cell’s ability to fight off damaging molecules, known as antioxidants. The key to this process is something called “mitophagy,” which is essentially a cellular clean-up crew that removes old or damaged mitochondria, ensuring the healthy ones can continue to function properly. This clean-up process is guided by a specific protein, SSE1, which acts as a crucial regulator in how Ginsenoside Rg1 achieves its anti-aging effects. This discovery sheds light on the potential mechanisms by which natural compounds could influence the aging process at a cellular level.


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