Highlights: 

  • Supplementing male mice with ergothioneine (ERGO) increases the median and average lifespan by 16% and 21%, respectively. 
  • ERGO supplementation enhances learning and memory.

For the first time, researchers at the University of Kanazawa in Japan have substantiated the pro-longevity benefits of ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent commonly found in lion’s mane mushrooms. Ergothione has previously been in the spotlight for its ability to exert neuroprotection and boost physical performance in aged mice.

But now, recent data shows that ergothioneine also holds longevity-enhancing properties, with researchers demonstrating that ergothioneine significantly prolongs the lifespan of male mice. These noteworthy findings, published in GeroScience, open the door to additional research into how ergothioneine can be implemented into dietary anti-aging interventions.

The Importance of Dietary Aging Supplements

With the global population living longer, the search for strategies to mitigate the effects of aging has never been more critical. Fortunately, foods containing anti-aging compounds have surfaced as a viable solution to help us age not just longer, but healthier. More importantly, the accessibility of these foods makes them a practical and cost-effective solution, ensuring widespread benefits across diverse demographics. With this in mind, the implementation of ergothioneine, a natural remedy that targets multiple hallmarks of aging, emerges as a promising dietary aging supplement that can not only extend life but also enhance its quality.

Ergothioneine Prolongs Lifespan 

The current study, led by Katsube and colleagues, is the first to comprehensively examine ERGO’s impact on lifespan and age-related abnormalities, using 7-week-old male mice as subjects. For the remainder of their natural lives, the mice were supplemented with roughly 4-5 mg/kg/day of ERGO in their drinking water. Remarkably, the investigators found that ERGO supplementation significantly extended the mice’s lifespan, with the median and average survival ages increasing by 16% and 21%, respectively. 

Moreover, the threshold at which 90% of the mice reached mortality was increased by an impressive 29% compared to the control group. Notably, similar results were seen in worms (c. elegans) given ERGO, corroborating ERGO’s potential as a life-extending compound. 

(Katsube et al., 2024 | GeroScience) ERGO significantly extends male mouse lifespan. Mice supplemented with ERGO (solid line) had a 16% greater median lifespan (Probability of survival at 50%) than untreated (dotted line) mice.

Ergothioneine Enhances Cognitive Health

The brain skillfully coordinates neuron networks with extreme precision to perform essential functions and store memories. Yet, as we age, this finely tuned system starts to break down, affecting our cognitive abilities. Accordingly, previous research has hinted at ERGO’s ability to potentially enhance cognitive function. In light of this, the investigators further explored whether ERGO exerts protective effects on memory and brain health. 

Employing the novel object recognition test, a well-established behavioral test for assessing memory, the study’s researchers found that ERGO supplementation led to notable improvements in learning and memory at 24 and 88 weeks of age. The investigators partially attributed these brain-boosting (nootropic) benefits to ERGO’s ability to reduce brain inflammation and thwart the age-related decline in neurogenesis – the production of new neurons. Collectively, the findings further support ERGO as a potent dietary nootropic that can help combat age-related cognitive decline.  

(Katsube et al., 2024 | GeroScience) ERGO supplementation improves memory in male mice. ERGO-supplemented mice (grey) outperformed control mice (white) in the novel object recognition test. A higher discrimination index score indicates enhanced memory. 

What to Keep in Mind

Although the study’s findings are compelling, there are a couple of noteworthy limitations. The first is that the study only utilized male mice, raising concerns about the result’s applicability to females. Additionally, only one behavioral test was employed to evaluate ERGO’s effect on brain aging. 

With this in mind, there is a clear need for more comprehensive studies that include both male and female mice to better understand the gender-specific effects of ERGO.  Moreover,  employing a broader array of cognitive tests could provide a more complete picture of its potential benefits, ensuring that conclusions drawn are robust and backed by sufficient literature. Nonetheless, it appears that ERGO as a dietary supplement could represent a significant step towards healthier aging through natural means.